The budget introduced by Minister for Finance Richie Ryan in 1976 was described as the toughest since the Second World War. The many casualties included petrol, the price of which rose by 10 pence per gallon, and beer, which rose by 5 pence a pint. VAT was raised from 6.75% to 10%.

RTÉ News gave listeners the details fo the 1976 budget and tells them what Richie Ryan hopes to achieve.

A RTÉ News at Six Thirty radio report from budget day 1976.

The image accompanying this clip shows Fine Gael Minister for Finance Richie Ryan, in his office on Budget Day, 16 May, 1973.
© RTÉ Stills Library 2239/099

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