The Taoiseach has said that Ireland will come through the cost of living crisis - as it did with the coronavirus pandemic.
Micheál Martin made the statement during a social media update on the eve of Budget 2023, admitting that the country is going through "uncertain and difficult times".
Tuesday afternoon will see Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe get to his feet in the Dáil to deliver the Budget, with pressure ramped up on the Government in recent months as Irish people struggle to afford food and electricity.
Speaking in a video on Twitter, he said: "We are living in very uncertain, difficult times. Tomorrow, Government wants to support families and young people, to protect jobs and to invest in public services.
"We want to reduce costs - childcare, education at all levels. We want to reduce the burden of taxation and reduce your energy bills."
"We also want to help and assist those most vulnerable in our society through strong social welfare measures. Above all, we came through Covid and our economy emerged stronger. Likewise, we'll emerge from this crisis as well."
The Budget will see close to €7bn in extra spending next year, while a separate cost of living package worth almost €3bn will also be announced.
Social welfare is likely to be one of the biggest winners in the tense Budget negotiations. It’s understood there will be double welfare payments as part of the cost of living package, on top of a double payment again at Christmas.
Workers are also set to see more money in their pockets through an adjustment in tax bands which could be worth hundreds of euro extra a year depending on how much they earn.
Hikes in the price of pints and cigarettes are being considered, while there will likely be no added pain for motorists as the taxes on fuel aren’t expected to go up.
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