Under 26? Here Are 7 Ways Today's Budget Will Affect Your Day-To-Day Life

The Budget may not seem that interesting, but it will make some major differences to your day-to-day life.

Items such as alcohol and cigarettes, as well as tax, are all affected by the Budget, which in turn will affect most of you directly. So here's the low-down on what's been happening so far – simplified and filtered to give you all the juicy bits.

1. Cigarettes up by 50c

Smokes will be increased by 50 cents – which means a 20-pack will set you back almost €11. Might be a good time to try and give them up.

2. Sugary drinks to be taxed

Minister Michael Noonan said a sugar-sweetened drink tax will come into effect in April 2018 – sad times for all you Coke lovers out there, but hey, it's probably for the best. Right?

3. Social welfare increased – mainly for the over-26s

All social benefits will rise, including the job-seekers allowance, by a fiver per week.

HOWEVER, like Jobseekers' Allowance itself, people under the age of 26 will receive a lesser amount – estimated to be around 50% of the overall figure.

4. Childcare subsidies for those with chizzlers

From September 2017, families with children under three will receive reductions on childcare based on their respective income, up to €900. A lovely boon for young families.

5. Internet at home... FINALLY

Hooray! €15m will be allocated towards the 'National Broadband Plan' for rural Ireland. Now, you'll still be able to watch Netflix at home, instead of suffering through your mammy cooing over the Late Late Show.

6. Teaching jobs on the rise

€458m has been allocated towards education – which means 2,400 teaching positions will become available, great news for recently graduated teachers.

7. No change on the price of booze

Okay, so we might have hoped for a slight reduction in excise costs – to bring us more in line with our Euro pals – but no dice.

Still, though. No increase = a win.

Oh, and finally...

It won't affect your daily life, probably. But in true Irish fashion, €25m has been allocated for a new Animal Welfare Scheme for sheep.

Not so baaaaahd, eh? (Sorry I couldn't resist.)

So, there it is Budget 2017 and the parts young people actually care about.

Let us all rejoice that the price of alcohol hasn't risen and treat yourself to a lovely pint – maybe without the cigarette.