Micheál Martin has signalled that the Government is considering another bumper cost of living package at the end of Spring.
The Taoiseach revealed the Cabinet’s plans during an annual convention of Fianna Fáil county councillors in Dublin that took place over the weekend.
He was asked about further help for struggling households and he said: “We’ll take stock towards the end of spring,” indicating that another package could be on the way.
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At the same time, Fine Gael was holding its annual Ard Fheis in Athlone where Tánaiste Leo Varadkar spoke fondly of his partnership with Mr Martin.
A senior Fine Gael source at that conference confirmed to the Irish Mirror that a second series of financial supports is under consideration.
He said: “Of course we will take stock at the end of Spring, we’ll see where we are then, but we won’t leave people in the lurch if things haven’t improved.”
Mr Martin was speaking to reporters ahead of the conference on Saturday morning where he indicated more cash could be on the way for cash-strapped households.
He said: “We have made very substantial interventions in terms of social welfare protection, payments that had been flowing through over the last two months now right into Christmas.
“And in addition to the energy credits, and also the universal increase in child benefit, and the social welfare measures that will kick in on the first of January.
“We’re doing increases in social welfare payments above and beyond the once-off payments.
“So I think over €11billion has been allocated, which is very, very substantial, and we believe that we will get through the winter, and we will support organisations on the ground and communities on the ground in terms of particular issues that may arise in given communities.
“We’ll take stock towards the end of spring, in terms of both the war in Ukraine in terms of where the energy situation is in terms of price increases, and the broader cost of living issue.”
Among the cash boosts that started to be paid out last week were a €400 Fuel Allowance, a €500 cost of living payment to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment, a €500 payment for the Disability Support Grant and a €200 payment to people in receipt of the Living Alone Allowance.
Additionally, Thousands more people will be able to avail of the Fuel Allowance scheme in Ireland from January 2023 onwards.
It is understood that an additional 81,000 people will be able to apply for the Fuel Allowance from December 1, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys confirmed last week.
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