2018 Irish budget

Summary

• €1.83 billion has been allocated to housing, with 3,800 social houses to be built by local authorities and approved housing bodies.
• Funding for homeless services will increase by €18 million.
• Stamp duty on commercial property transactions will rise from 2% to 6% from 11 October 2017.
• An additional 1,300 teaching posts have been announced. 1,000 new Special Needs Assistants being recruited and an additional 800 gardaí will be recruited during 2018.
• A reduction in prescription charges for all medical card holders under 70 from €2.50 to €2 per item.
• A €5 per week increase in all weekly social welfare payments from end of March 2018.
• Christmas bonus payment of 85% will be paid to all social welfare recipients.
• 2.5% USC rate will be reduced to 2% with the ceiling for the new rate increased from €18,772 to €19,372.
• 30 cent per litre of tax on drinks with over 8g of sugar per 100ml from April 2018.
• The excise duty on a packet of 20 cigarettes will rise by 50 cents from 11 October 2017.
• No changes in price to alcohol, petrol and diesel.