Taoiseach Micheal Martin yesterday vowed the Government will tackle the cost of living crisis but ruled out a rise in benefits and pensions.
He said he will look at ways that might alleviate pressure on those who are hardest hit by inflation but would give no firm commitments.
Mr Martin said the inflation-relief measures will be announced by the end of the week but added it might be some time before the public will benefit from them.
The Fianna Fail leader also ruled out a mini-budget but said his administration will look at a range of charges from health to transport to see what it can do.
He told RTE’s This Week: “There’s a range of measures that we’re going to examine.
“We want to look after people hardest hit by the increase in home heating and the basic necessities of life.
“And people on low incomes in particular, that as best as we can, to target measures to help people who are suffering.”
Mr Martin also confirmed the “carbon tax” which will add 3c to a litre of fuel despite prices having already climbed by 32c in recent months, will go ahead in May.
Sinn Fein has called for the levy to be deferred because of rising inflation but the Taoiseach confirmed it will go ahead as planned despite its likely result of driving up people’s fuel costs.
Mr Martin added: “Climate change is a pressing reality. We have to try and avoid short termism in terms of climate change policy.”
The Taoiseach added face masks may be made advisory rather than compulsory by next month.
He said: “Personally, I would still prefer to wear masks going into retail and on public transport. The pandemic isn’t over.
“We are definitely in a new phase. We are moving into an advisory phase in terms of personal responsibilities and
so on.”
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