08.10.2025
Church and Society Commission Responds to Budget 2026
Archbishop Michael Jackson, as Chairperson of the Church of Ireland’s Church and Society Commission, has issued the following statement on Budget 2026:
Yesterday’s Budget 2026 announcements from the Government provide both reasons for cautious optimism, and serious questions for our collective conscience. Budgetary numbers, however well intentioned, must be reinforced by compassion and moral duty in their implementation.
The common good always need to be served by fiscal and budgetary provision. Such common good is formed by values outside of the numbers that must give expression to such budgetary provision.
At a time of increasing economic unpredictability and as more and more people live alone on the margin of belonging, and on the knife–edge of survival, we welcome the Government’s increase in social welfare payments alongside an increase in the National Minimum Wage. Ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society are not left behind, is one of the cornerstones of our faith, and also of our citizenship.
The announcement of a record level of total funding to the tune of €27.4 billion for the Department of Health is encouraging, but the issue of hospital waiting lists, overcrowding, and struggling services persists; and while it persists, it escalates.
The scourge of homelessness is one of the great issues of our time. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on homelessness prevention, as a key issue in this acute expression of a housing crisis. While it is encouraging to see an increase in investment in this area, the scale of need is vast. We, like many others, fear that in practice, the additional resources announced in this area may still fall short of what is required.
Looking to our children and young people, the increase in school capitation allowances, and a reduction in the third level student contribution are to be welcomed. However, demand on our educational institutions remains high and is continually growing. Increased and sustained investment in this sector is vital to ensuring that future generations are provided with the necessary skills to thrive. Plans to establish a DEIS+ scheme are to be welcomed, as this initiative provides valuable additional supports to schools in our least resourced communities.
It is heartening to see the commitment to overseas aid and relief being maintained in Budget 2026, as Ireland contributes to global efforts to reduce the suffering of conflict and famine across many war–torn regions in our world.
Continued support for the Shared Island initiative, funding for which has doubled until 2035 is to be commended. The projects which come under this initiative are morally and practically important, fostering peace, creating a shared sense of belonging, and helping to build connections and understanding across and within very different communities.
While continued efforts to reduce our carbon emissions are welcome, climate change will not wait for humanity to catch up. This crisis must be addressed with extreme urgency to safeguard the futures of our children, and the health of our earthly home.
Economic measures alone cannot remedy the divisions of inequality, prejudice and alienation in our society. We are reminded by our Christian faith that “whatever you did to one of these, the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:30). May this Budget be judged not only on its economics, but on how it responds to those in greatest need, especially those who struggle in silence, pain and humiliation.
The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson
Archbishop of Dublin and Chairperson of the Church and Society Committee