The key opportunities and challenges facing the country ahead of the Budget 2024 will be discussed today.
A range of policies will be discussed at the National Economic Dialogue with representatives from a range of community, voluntary and environmental groups, businesses and workers' unions taking part.
The Taoiseach and a number of senior cabinet ministers are also attending today's meeting.
Earlier this month, the Department of Finance forecasted a budget surplus of €10 billion for this year.
Social Justice Ireland is among the groups invited to take part. CEO Dr Sean Healy says they want to see social welfare payments increased by €25 in Budget 2024.
"The situation we have at the moment is a disgrace. What the Government did in Budget 2023 resulted in the poorest in Irish society being worse off today than they were 12 months ago. That's simply not acceptable. It wouldn't be acceptable in bad times. And it certainly isn't acceptable at a time when we have lots of income".
Speaking ahead of the event, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath said, high inflation rates and the cost of living crisis will be the main issues discussed.
"We must also be conscious that our economy is now at full-employment, and it is important that budgetary policy does not add to inflation – to put it another way, budgetary policy cannot become part of the inflation problem.
"While the public finances are in robust shape, we know that we face real vulnerabilities in relation to the concentration of corporation tax receipts, an ageing population and the need to finance the climate and digital transitions".
