The Government will today announce measures to address the impact of the rising cost of living on households.
The Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that these supports will alleviate pressures on working people and those on low incomes.
Martin has already indicated that the package to be announced by the government will focus on reducing utility charges and could be a mix of one-off and more long-term actions.
The Tánaiste Leo Varadkarhas said there will be something to benefit every household in today’s announcement.
He said it’s important to note that middle-income families are also struggling to pay bills, due to the costs of childcare, mortgages, rent, and more.
Today’s announcement will detail supports in excess of €400 million.
However, this includes more than €200 million already set aside for the €113.50 credit on electricity bills in all homes.
This credit will now be increased when the Coalition leaders, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath, and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe agree to the final details at a Cabinet committee meeting.
While discussions are ongoing, some within the Government are holding out the possibility that the energy credit could be doubled.
There will also be extra funding for the Fuel Allowance payment, with a double week’s payment or lump sum under consideration.
A planned €10 increase to the Weekly Family Payment from June could be brought forward to April.
News courtesy: RTE