The government has signed off on a €1.3 billion cost of living package.
There will be a €200 lump sum payment to welfare recipients and a €100 extra payment of child benefit.
The reduced 9% VAT rate for hospitality is being kept until the end of August, with a warning it will be the last extension of the lower rate.
@benfinnegannews New cost of living supports have been agreed #news #ireland #irish #costofliving #inflation #electricity #costofenergy #lc23 #leavingcert2023 #school #fuel #petrol #diesel #excise #nightout #restaurant #costofanightout ♬ original sound - Ben Finnegan
While VAT increases on energy have been delayed, there will be a phased reintroduction of excise on petrol and diesel starting in June.
And for the second year in a row, the fees for the State Exams will be waived, meaning a saving to relevant families of over €100.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has defended the spend against accusations it doesn't help working families who aren't entitled to a welfare benefit:
"This package is more targeted than ones we've done in the past.
"I think it's important to bear in mind that only in the last few weeks we've seen pay rises kick in, another pay rise for public servants happening quite soon.
"An increase in the living wage around the minimum wage.
"We've also seen the income tax cuts and the rent credits take effect.
"So there's a lot that's happened for working people just in the last couple of weeks."
