PASCHAL DONOHOE STOOD before the Dáil today to deliver Budget 2019.

The government had promised this Budget will “put money back in people’s pockets”, with a number of provisions already well flagged.

There was good news for social welfare recipients, and changes to income tax that will mean some extra cash in people’s pockets.

However, the government’s housing commitments in the Budget have been criticised, as has its increased VAT rates for hotels, restaurants and hairdressing.