Budget day: a package of about €8.5bn, built on a corporation tax windfall the fiscal watchdog has warned about
Budget 2027 is presented in the Dáil today by Simon Harris and Jack Chambers (Irish Times, RTÉ). Davy estimates about €8.5 billion in total (Davy, Irish Examiner). TheJournal reported that September corporation tax receipts were strong because companies paid early. Budget coverage cites Department of Finance projections of business tax receipts of about €34 billion this year and €39 billion in 2027. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council warned in late August against greater dependence on corporation tax and called for a domestic budgetary rule. The final contents were not confirmed before 05:00.
Corporation tax has turned a deficit-prone State into one with spare cash, but a handful of multinational firms supply much of it. If their profits or tax arrangements change, the money could fall quickly, while spending commitments stay.
Today's decisions on income tax, fuel, housing and welfare are paid for largely by this windfall. If it fades, future budgets could be tighter.
The Government says a package of this size is affordable and that a contingency reserve and a spending limit protect the books.
The watchdog and some economists say the State is spending ordinary-year money from a volatile source, and should save more.
Read today's numbers against one question: how much is paid for by the corporation tax windfall? The Fiscal Council will respond on the day, and its verdict is worth reading beside the Government's.
DailyDrop Ireland edition No. 2 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 6, 2026