Well, that wasn't all bad, we suppose. 

For the last few years, budget day has led to most of us curling up in the corner and counting the money that we'd hidden under our mattress so that Enda's Money Squads couldn't find it. It only half worked, and as this chart from The Irish Times shows, there have been some seriously tough times. 

Via The Irish Times

This year, however, things have been a bit better, as there was actually some good news in Budget 2015 that meant that we might have a few more quid in our pocket...maybe. The main changes are to the tax rates and the Universal Social Charge.

The rate of USC has fallen in the 2% and 4% bands, down 0.5% each, so that's something, and you now won't get hit with it until you pass the €12000 p/a mark. There was also a new USC rate of 8% introduced for those earning over €70,000, while those earning over €110,000 will now pay 11%. 

The top rate of tax of 41% has also fallen to 40%, while there was also an increase in relief on water charges announced at standard rate, up to a maximum of €500 per household per year. 

Then the moment that everyone was really dreading came along as they turned their attention to the old reliable categories: petrol, booze and smokes. Cigarettes will now cost you €10 for a pack of 20, but the duty on alcohol and fuel will remain the same, as will motor tax. 

Other stand out points were the announcement of a €1.5 billion spend for social housing by 2017, child benefit going up €5 per child, and an investment in the homelessness problem of about €10 million. 

What does all this mean in terms of sweet, cold hard cash when you head to the bar? Well, if you're a single person earning above €35,000, you'll be better off.

However, the opposition have started to have their say already, and as Michael McGrath, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on finance retorted, the numbers might look good but it's not all smiles and sunshine.

So, how did the budget affect you?

Via The Irish Times