Budget meetings will continue with the allocations for several major spending departments not yet settled.
A VAT cut for new-build apartments looks set to be introduced in a bid to kickstart the building of stalled schemes.
The Government believes that up to 40,000 apartments that have already received planning permission could be affected.
It is thought that the measure could be introduced quite quickly after Budget 2026.
Last night, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Independent Seán Canney met Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and the Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers to finalise the details of next year's €9.4 billion package.
It is understood that a permanent reduction to college fees of €500 has been signed off.
However, the Opposition criticised this as it is leaving fees €500 higher than existing levels.
The social protection package has not yet been finalised.
Hikes of at least €8 to weekly welfare payments are on the cards, although this figure could go higher.
It is understood that Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary is seeking higher increases to targeted payments, including larger hikes to the Child Support Payment.
The Government has promised to abolish the means test for the carer's allowance over the lifetime of the Coalition.
To that end, an increase in the income disregard for the payment is on the cards to allow more people to qualify.
With no energy credits this year, it is expected that eligibility for the fuel allowance will expand.
Read more: Latest Budget 2026 stories
