Well, was it the giveaway budget that was long rumoured?
With tax receipts soaring, Apple money flowing into the Government’s accounts, and an election on the horizon, Budget 2025 was flagged as one of the biggest ever giveaways.
“Cost of living packages” are key features of any budget so what happened in this one?
And was there any indication how the Government will spend the €14 billion in back taxes from Apple?
Budget 2025 main points: Energy credits, bonus welfare payments, higher minimum wage and tax changes
Budget 2025 calculator: How this year’s budget will affect your income
Most-read: The top 10 business and personal finance stories of the year
Renters and households with children most likely to have income that doesn’t match needs - ESRI
What are the tax-rate tweaks and who will benefit most?
Social welfare recipients were always going to get a boost – we knew that from the Summer Economic Statement – how much can people, from pensioners to parents of small children, expect to receive?
Could the money have been spent differently?
And surely there was at least one surprise?
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.