President Mary McAleese is cutting her household allowance by 12.5% because of the difficult economic climate faced by the country.
Speaking to Morning Ireland, the President said that while people find themselves in financial difficulties that they are better prepared to overcome current difficulties than in the 1980s.
She said the cuts will be made by ensuring Áras an Uachtaráin gets good value for money for goods and services provided to it.
As part of the measures, the majority of Christmas cards sent from the Áras this year will be emailed instead of posted.
President McAleese had already taken a 10% cut to her salary. If further pay cuts are needed the President said she will take one.
Speaking about the current economic climate, the President said the entrepreneurial atmosphere fostered during the Celtic Tiger years puts people in a better place to get out of the recession than in the 1980s.
