There'll be a "lot of help with the cost of living" in today's Budget, the Tánaiste has said.
Ministers are also saying today will represent the beginning of a "return to normal" budgeting following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath will announce the full suite of measures in the Dáil this afternoon.
Much of the €1.5bn in additional spending and tax measures will be aimed at addressing the rising cost of living.
Some of the measures set to be announced include funding for 800 new gardaí, a €5 per week increase in the fuel allowance and a 50c rise in the minimum wage.
There will be an increase of €5 a week on the State pension and across most core social welfare rates.
On his way into the Cabinet meeting ahead of today's announcement, Taoiseach Michéal Martin said this Budget comes amid an economic recovery as Ireland emerges from the pandemic.
Taoiseach says today’s #Budget is framed around around Ireland emerging from the Covid Pandemic. pic.twitter.com/i6cy7V7HD3
— Stephanie Rohan (@StephGrogan3) October 12, 2021
He said: “We have to consolidate that - we’ll do that by making sure there’s no cliff-edge in terms of supports for jobs.
“More broadly speaking, given the increase in fuel prices and the energy situation across the world, it is important our social welfare package would support that issue.”
He added that there'll be a focus on supporting children and families - including around childcare, education and reducing costs of access to healthcare.
Leo Varadkar, meanwhile, said there’s a need to start the “return to normal budgeting” when it comes to public finances - noting the economy has recovered “much quicker than people thought”.
He said: “If you’re to frame the Budget in the round, it’s really about three things - getting our public finances back in order; helping families with the cost of living and investing in public services; and also helping businesses that are still struggling with a further lifeline.”
He pledged there’ll be “a lot of help” with the cost of living announced today.
You can read more about the measures expected to be announced today here.
