The biggest Budget in the history of the State - announced by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Michael McGrath yesterday - is aimed at tackling what was described as the "invisible enemy" of Covid-19.
The record Budget package of €17.75 billion will support businesses hit by the current Covid-19 restrictions who will will get rebates, while it also includes measures for the hospitality sector and homebuyers.
The first Budget of the coalition Government, which also includes €4 billion for the health sector, had been framed by the pandemic and the prospect of a no-trade deal Brexit.
John McHale, Professor of Economics at NUI Galway, said that he believes that overall Budget 2021 was very positive.
It said it was a "sensible" budget given the affect the Covid crisis has had on the economy.
Noting that Budget 2021 is a big package overall, he said it was necessary given the huge negative impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
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But the economist also said it is important to realise that more spending now will mean less spending and higher taxes later on.
Mr McHale said it was important to get good value for money in the use of the budget package.
