The Government will this evening announce a package aimed at easing the cost of living.

Cabinet Ministers will meet today to sign off on several inflation-tackling measures.

Having accepted budget moves to tackle inflation haven't worked, a new suite of measures will be announced this evening.

It is expected they will include an increase in the electricity grant to each household, potentially doubling it to €200.

Other measures will look at fuel allowance and will be more targeted at people who need the most help.

Ministers have said any intervention will need to be a once off – meaning social welfare increases and tax cuts are unlikely.

Yesterday the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said ministers will aim to make sure there's something for everyone in the announcement.

But Labour Party leader Alan Kelly is questioning their ability to get it right:

“What they need to do is have a whole of Government approach in relation to this,” he said.

“We actually need a new budget. We need a mini budget. We have done them before in times of crisis and we need one now.

“They have been very late to the table - very slow - and I don’t expect them to actually put together a package that is going to affect those on low incomes and middle incomes who are being really badly affected by the cost of living.”

He said none of the measures leaked so far go anywhere near what is required.

“We need to have a rent freeze. I brought in a rent freeze – it is Constitutional, it can be done and we need a rent freeze for three years.

“We also need a change in the VAT as regards fuel. This can be done. We can go to Europe to get their engagement and saying we can’t is just nonsense.

“But ultimately, we need pay increases for people who are working very hard and have worked very hard.”

Meanwhile Sinn Féin has called for new cash payments to be given to people.

Finance Spokesman Pearse Doherty said everyone earning under €30,000 a year should get a €200 payment, with everyone earning between €30,000 and €60,000 grand getting €100.