Government publishes White Paper ahead of Budget

Pre-Budget projections predict an end-year Exchequer surplus of 1.07 billion euros this year, and 1.45 billion euros at the end of 2026.

The figures are included in the Department of Finance White Paper for estimates on receipts and expenditure.

The figures in the document do not include any new policy measures to be announced as part of the 2026 Budget process.

The White Paper also estimates that the Exchequer balance would be a 2.2 billion euro deficit this year if receipts arising out of the Apple tax ruling were excluded.

The broader measure of the general Government balance predicts a 10.3 billion euro surplus this year, falling to 8.8 billion euros next year.

Excluding windfall corporation tax receipts, there would be a deficit of 7.3 billion euros this year, deepening to 9.8 billion in 2026.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe told reporters: “The White Paper forecasts strong economic growth in 2025 and this is now set to continue into 2026.

“On this basis, total tax revenue at the end of next year is now projected to be 106 billion euro on a pre-Budget basis.”

He added: “We expect further increase in corporate tax this year and next, reaching 34 billion euro for next year.

“This means that for that year, we’ll yet again see corporate tax playing a large role in our total tax revenue.

“On Budget Day, the Government will demonstrate how it intends to use these resources to invest in our future, to address the critical challenges of infrastructure and housing, jobs, prosperity and stability at a time of global challenge.”