Minister for Finance Jack Chambers has confirmed that there will be an energy credit in the budget saying the credit will form part of the cost-of-living package.
Mr Chambers also said that the average worker would be better off to the tune of around €1,000 as a result of tax changes and the cost-of-living package in the upcoming budget.
Many aspects of the budget have been agreed, he said, but a number of items still need to be settled with party leaders.
He said he knows that people are still feeling the pressure, particularly with the cost of living.
"I do not expect the cost of living package to be the same scale as last year," he said, as inflation has moderated.
However, there is still merit for one and supports for energy bills are still needed, he said.
He said: "I think energy credits can play a really important role to protect people and families through the winter period. And I think that will be a component of our cost of living package."
Mr Chambers said the budget would include a substantial income tax package and USC will be a central component on alleviating the tax burden faced by some workers.
The TD for Dublin West said he wanted to be sure that decisions can be sustained over the medium-to-long term so long-term risks to the economy can be protected while further investment in housing, health and education can be made.
He accepted that there is a serious cost issue for small and medium businesses and said it was important that decisions do not impose excessive costs on them.
He said: "I think it's better to give certainty on costs and sustainability on businesses cost base."
Mr Chambers said the Apple money will not be used for day to day expenditure.
"We want to use it carefully and look to the long term," he added.
Minister for Finance Jack Chambers said he was confident Fianna Fáil would deliver its message when the election is held.
He told RTÉ's Today With Claire Byrne that the Government still has a huge amount of work to do and remains committed to running its full term.
"I expect the election to be in the spring," he said, "but I am never fearful of facing the public".
February an ideal time for election - Tánaiste
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said February would be an ideal time to hold the general election, and has effectively ruled out the holding of any by-elections before that date.
Mr Martin said the Government should serve its full term, which means February, and he branded speculation about the holding of an election on 15 November as "a lot of hot air".
He said the people want the Government to get the budget passed because it is the major substantive piece of work which must be completed.
Mr Martin also urged colleagues to continue to govern in the period ahead rather than just engaging in electioneering.
He conceded that this was a "balance" which all parties must strive to achieve given that the Government is now in its "eleventh hour".
Mr Martin predicted that there would not be any by-elections held before the general election.
The Tánaiste believes that it would not make sense to hold by-elections in January, if there is an immediate by-election following, and he said the legal advice supports this view.
Mr Martin said his party would set out its stall in an election campaign on ways to improve people's quality of life.
These core issues include the cost of living, housing, the health service and crime.
He also referenced the need for greater invesment in Irish water which would help speed up the planning process for the building of homes.
Tánaiste says he wants Government to go full term and that means February. He says talk of a November election is hot air. pic.twitter.com/g2i5JT9kd1
— Mícheál Lehane (@MichealLehane) September 16, 2024
He was speaking as Fianna Fáil holds its policy think-in in Killiney, Co Dublin, ahead of the return of the Dáil on Wednesday with politicians meeting in Dublin.
Discussions are set to focus on the upcoming budget, the cost-of-living, housing, health, education and childcare.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Martin said the gathering marks the beginning of the final six months of this Dáil.
Strongly signalling that the general election will not take place until next year, Mr Martin referenced a major programme of legislation which will go before the Oireachtas in the coming weeks and months.
Mr Martin also insisted that his party had achieved positive and sustained progress in Government but needed to take additional steps to develop the existing services and overcome the problems that face people every day.
Govt "wants to go full term" - Taoiseach
Speaking on his first visit to Derry as Taoiseach, Simon Harris said he does not "intend to provide a running commentary" on a date for the next general election but that "the government wants to go full term".
"The Constitutional prerogative to seek a dissolution of the Dáil is mine as Taoiseach. I've been very clear, though, since becoming Taoiseach that I want this Government to go full term, and I've also been very clear that the three parties in Government are working well together.
"I don't intend to provide a running commentary on what about this week? What about that month? That's not how that's not how we do politics. Politics outside of the media and political bubble is about making a difference in people's lives. It's about delivering for people. The government wants to go full term."
Additional reporting: Joe Mag Raollaigh, Vincent Kearney
