The exchequer figures for the first quarter of the year are the classic backward-looking indicator. The trends are generally solid, but the main impact of the war in the Gulf lies ahead – and creates uncertainty for the rest of 2026. Excluding this, the exchequer figures are in surplus to the tune of around €1.4 billion, a bit ahead of 2025. Corporation tax is running roughly in line with last year, but the main months for this tax lie ahead. This push and pull between relatively strong exchequer figures and demands for higher spending look set to dominate the political agenda in the months ahead.

Source: The Irish Times April 08, 2026 12:02 UTC