The Minister for Social Protection has signalled that there will be a further one-off social welfare payment for vulnerable groups, but that it will not be as large as previous cost-of-living interventions announced before Christmas.
Heather Humphreys told RTÉ News that many people were experiencing financial difficulty and that her priorities would be "older people, people with disabilities, carers, and working families with children".
However, ahead of further talks on the matter tomorrow, Ms Humphreys said that the package of measures will be much smaller than interventions in 2022.
Those talks will be attended by Ms Humphreys, the Ministers for Finance, Public Expenditure and Coalition leaders.
This afternoon Ms Humphreys said "We did have a very comprehensive package of measures for Budget 2023. And I want to be honest, I want to be straight with people, that the scale of these measures will be considerably less.
"But, having said that, we will be able to give that helping hand to those that need it most."
It is expected that the cost-of-living measures will be signed off on Tuesday by the full Cabinet.
Minister for Social Protection @HHumphreysFG has signalled that there will be a further one-off social welfare payment for vulnerable groups, but that it will not be as large as previous cost-of-living interventions announced before Christmas | https://t.co/tsHNxtg0CG pic.twitter.com/DPSHanT9CZ
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 19, 2023
Speaking on RTÉ's The Week in Politics, Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary defended the plan for reduced supports.
"What we want to make sure is that as we go into another winter next year, and if we are still in the current situation, that we have the reserves available to respond then."
He said the overall response has been quite significant and that the €1bn euro of supports cannot be looked at in isolation.
Sinn Féin's Claire Kerrane has said it "unfortunate" that the government is announcing this latest package of supports at the last minute "once again".
Speaking on the same programme, she said her party would like to see a Spring bonus.
"A double payment to all social welfare recipients. They all need to see support in relation to what is announced on Tuesday," she argued.
Independent TD Maurice Fitzgerald referred to those in "middle Ireland" saying they are also vulnerable and need to be protected.
Social Democrats TD Cian O' Callaghan said the priority has to be on those who are "literally skipping meals so they can feed their children".
He said those who are struggling to pay for the basics like food and heating need to be prioritised.
He said the reduction in public transport fares should be kept in place.
