The Government's examining cutting prescription fees, emergency department charges, and widening the medical card scheme to combat the rising cost of living.
Ministers have been told by the coalition leaders to come up with a list of proposals in the next fortnight to ease the pressure on households.
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste held talks with employers and unions yesterday evening.
Other measures being looked at include cutting car tax, passport fees, VAT on some bills and doubling next month's €100 energy credit.
Dr Seán Healy from Social Justice Ireland says ministers need to change their priorities:
"Millionaires are getting back €100 the exact same amount as people who are the poorest.
"With due respects to [the Government] - they need to realise they need to realise that this particular pressure is currently experienced by everybody is especially badly hitting for the 660,000 people living in poverty."
