[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”\u00a1\u00a1\u00a1!!! \u00a1\u00a1\u00a1POR FAVOR NO EDITES !!! ” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – SUMMARY – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your summary. The summary condenses the main points for the news that starts below. The summary is in bold and not longer than 300 characters, including spaces. The counter at the bottom can help.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A record \u20ac27.4bn health budget for 2026 will fund more staff, hospital beds, home support hours and digital health reforms. Critics say it falls short on capacity and staffing. \u20ac3.8bn is allocated to disability services, including residential places, home supports and higher allowances. <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – TEXT OF THE NEWS – BLOCK 1 – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your news. PLEASE USE ONLY THE FEATURED IMAGE FUNCTION on your right column to add the image.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Irish Government has announced a record health budget of \u20ac27.4 billion for 2026<\/strong>, with total health spending exceeding \u20ac27.3 billion<\/strong> including current and capital allocations. This marks a \u20ac1.5 billion (6.2%) increase<\/strong> on 2025, with day-to-day spending at \u20ac25.7 billion (up 5%)<\/strong> and capital investment at \u20ac1.5 billion<\/strong>. No new patient charges or eligibility extensions are planned, though a review of eligibility criteria will take place. <\/p>\n The funding will enable the recruitment of 3,300 additional health staff<\/strong>, allocation of \u20ac173 million for new and existing medicines<\/strong>, and improvements in acute hospital capacity, diagnostics, community services and infrastructure. Budget 2026 provides for