No hope given to young people in Budget, says Laois Senator

Senator Maria McCormack said the Government failed young people

Published 7th Oct 2026, 22:00 BST Senator Maria McCormack. Senator Maria McCormack said the Government failed young people A Laois senator has said that young people have been failed by the Budget announced by the Government on Tuesday, October 6.

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack said that Budget 2027 failed to give young people and families any meaningful prospect of building a secure future in Ireland.

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Responding to Tuesday’s Budget announcement, Senator McCormack argued that it should have focused on key issues facing young people who are struggling to afford life in Ireland.

“This Budget should have been about giving young people hope that they can build a life in Ireland. Instead, it offers more of the same: unaffordable housing, high rents, expensive childcare and a cost of living that continues to put enormous pressure on young workers and young families,” the Laois Senator said.

“Recent RED C research found that almost seven in ten young people are considering leaving Ireland. That should be a national alarm bell. Young people are asking themselves whether they can afford to live here, whether they can afford a home and whether they can afford to start a family.

“Yet what does this Government offer renters? Just €150 extra on the renters’ tax credit. Sinn Féin proposed doubling the credit to €2,000. The Government’s increase will be swallowed up almost immediately by the cost of renting.”

Prominent Portlaoise Solicitor suspended from practice She highlighted the proposals by Sinn Féin in the lead up to the Budget, such as abolishing USC on the first €40,000 earned by every worker which would give €700 back to workers.

Senator McCormack also mentioned her party’s proposal to abolish college and apprenticeship fees and deliver a €10-a-day childcare system.

“Instead, the Government has chosen a much more limited form of relief that does little for many of those starting out,” she said.

“For young people trying to establish themselves, the costs keep piling up. Rent is unaffordable. Buying a home is out of reach for many. Childcare can cost hundreds of euro a month. College fees and apprenticeship fees remain another barrier.

“A generation should not have to choose between leaving Ireland or putting their plans for a home and a family on hold.

“Ireland has the resources to give young people a real stake in the future of this country. What is missing is the political choice to use those resources to make life affordable.”

Senator McCormack concluded: “This Budget was an opportunity to tell young people that there is a future for them here. Instead, it has left many of them with the same question: how can I afford to build a life in Ireland?

“Young people deserve an answer to that question. This Budget does not provide it.”