Government ministers are examining proposals looking at mortgage interest relief for those most under pressure following the latest European Central Bank rate rise.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed this morning that the matter is being considered by Minister for Finance Michael McGrath and Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys.
However, no decision has been made yet as to whether an interest relief scheme will be introduced in the Budget on 10 October.
"I think if we are going to do something to help people with mortgage interest, it really should focus on those who are paying the highest rates and those who might be at risk of losing their homes. But the detail that hasn't been worked out," the Taoiseach said.
Mr Varadkar ruled out financial assistance for all mortgage holders though saying that a "broad based" scheme would be very expensive.
He said that further ECB rate rises are not anticipated but the Government appreciates that the increases have already had a significant impact on homeowners.
Mr Varadkar indicated too that the Budget would contain tax concessions to help small landlords and to encourage more of them to enter and stay in the rental market.
He said this move would have to be linked to improvements in tenants' rights.
The Taoiseach confirmed there would be one-off Budget payments to help people deal with the cost of living but they would not be on the same scale as last year.
He said the one-off payments would be paid out before the end of the calendar year.
Ms Humphreys has said the Government was also looking at ways of extending child benefit payments to secondary school students after they reach the age of 18.
"I'd like to extend that benefit until they finish secondary education," she said.
She said it was her ambition that every child born this year will be able to get a hot school meal when they start primary school.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris indicated that lone parents and people with a disability, who are studying part time, could soon be eligible for student grants.
Additional reporting Mícheál Lehane
