As Budget 2023 nears, Irish households are eagerly awaiting an answer to their struggles as the cost of living in Ireland continues to rise.
While most areas of society are struggling to meet these increasing costs, the Government has already hinted at a vast array of incoming supports.
From sky-high energy bills to the cost of children’s expenses and rent, plans are in motion to ensure the appropriate supports target these areas.
READ MORE: Thousands of Irish workers to get pay increases this month
Those who are on social welfare and are struggling to keep up with demands could also be in for a doubling of their payments in the coming weeks.
Ahead of the Budget announcement, here are some of the things that are reportedly being considered by the government to ease the pressure on society.
Rent
Renters in Ireland are being faced with sky high monthly costs, and after last year’s Budget backlash over a lack of support for this group, changes are expected this year.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has said he is keen to put in place supports specifically for renters, potentially in the form of a tax credit on the monthly charge.
Energy costs
Earlier this year, the Government signed off on a €100 electricity credit as part of a cost-of-living package, which was later doubled to €200 and deducted from people’s incoming bills.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan confirmed today, Wednesday, that a second round of credit - likely €200 again - will be deducted from bills before Christmas to help families struggling with high costs.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar later suggested that this won't be the end of energy credit, and suggested that more is to come in the new year to help those struggling with their energy bills.
Parents
Ministers are also mulling over a once-off doubling of the child benefit payment, to help parents and guardians with the many costs associated with raising children in Ireland.
Should this go ahead, parents would be in line for a €280 once-off payment if they have one child, or €560 if they have two.
This would also be paid out to eligible families ahead of the Christmas season.
Social welfare
Minister Paschal Donohoe and Minister Michael McGrath are also considering boosting all welfare rates over the coming weeks - potentially as much as double.
According to reports, this measure would likely be targeted at those who are in receipt of the unemployment benefit - a group which are worst hit by sky-high living costs.
Public transport
The cost of public transport affects many people in Ireland whether they’re travelling to work, school, college, or simply don’t have access to a private vehicle.
Fares were cut by 20pc across the board earlier this year as part of the first cost of living package announced by the government and it is understood that these costs could remain at the discounted price.
Businesses
Many Irish businesses have been voicing their concerns around rising energy costs with one small cafe in Athlone sharing an image of a €9k bill.
In light of this, there have been calls for pandemic-style payments in support of businesses specifically being hit with these energy bills.
At this point, it is understood ministers are considering a once-off credit payment to businesses for smaller enterprises.
Schools
Schools are also top of the list of priorities, and the Taoiseach has vowed to put support in place for schools facing very high heating costs.
“Schools will need supports to deal with the cost of energy in schools. Clearly, Government will help in all of that,” said Mr Martin told reporters earlier this week.
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