Increasing the size of the Dáil in light of Census results is 'the right thing to do'.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe was reacting to preliminary numbers, which show Ireland's population has grown to 5.1 million people.

That is an increase of 7.6% from 2016, and the highest population in the State since 1841.

The Constitution requires a minimum of one TD per 30,000 population, meaning the next Dáil will likely need at least 11 new deputies.

Minister Donohoe told Newstalk Breakfast this would be what he supports.

"In order to stand by the requirement that our Constitution has regarding adequate representation for our country, and the right number of TDs for the size of our population, if we need to increase the size of our Dáil to do that I believe that is the right thing to do.

"Everybody does deserve the same level of representation.

He also says he "wouldn't support a referendum to reduce the number of our TDs."

"Whatever challenges, and I know we have many with political life, I still believe every citizen in our country is entitled to the same level of representation.

"And if that involves changing our Dáil, and the size of our Dáil to do that, that's the case that I would make".

On measures to ease the cost of living, Minister Donohoe says the budget in October will see a mix of approaches.

"I believe to have a mixture of measures - we need to have some measures that can be a benefit to all.

"I would point to the excise reduction that is in place on diesel and petrol as being an example of the kind of measures that are important at the moment.

"But on the other hand we also need targeting measures, because those who are on lower income are feeling the difficulty the most".

He adds that the Government is "expecting inflation to climb" as we move into 2023.