The Social Democrats have launched their alternative budget that they suggest would protect economic security, deal with long-term societal challenges and provide targeted support to hard-pressed households.
Their 34-page document includes a €400 energy credit for low income households, a €1000 cut in third-level fees, a second tier of child benefit and a €1 per hour increase in the minimum wage.
Speaking outside Leinster House, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said their budget focused on driving down the cost of living sustainably, lifting children out of poverty, addressing the cost of disability payments, abolishing the means test for carers, reducing childcare costs and the roll out of a public model of childcare.
She said that based on leaks, it appears the Government have "no real big ideas" for the upcoming Budget, and that the "disconnect with people is growing".
In the party's alternative budget document, it says the €400 energy credit would go to households in the bottom 40% of income, at a cost of €362m.
They also propose increasing working age welfare payments, and state social welfare pensions by €15 per week each.
They say a second tier of child benefit, which would integrate the child support payment with a modified working family payment, would lift 40,000 children out of poverty.
This would cost €772m, with the payment targeted at lowest income families with children.
In the disability sector, the Social Democrats would introduce a €20 a week cost of disability payment.
While the means test for carer's allowance would be abolished at a cost of €275m and the allowance itself would be increased at a rate of €15 a week.
Ms Cairns told reporters: "It was actually this day last year that we saw the Government announce its 'big giveaway' budget, the kind of budget that was splashing the cash around in order to buy the election.
"So it's very welcome that this year they seem to have finally learnt what the Social Democrats have been saying for years now - that those one-off measures, the untargeted payments are not the right approach."
"One of those measures that stands out was the cost of disability payment to have a one-off payment for that treats it like it's some kind of one off, minor inconvenience," she said.
"Our approach would be very different to Government, it would be in terms of investing in services to truly bring down the cost of living for people in a sustainable way."
Harris expects measures aimed at tackling vacancy, dereliction in Budget
Meanwhile, Tánaiste Simon Harris has said he expects next week's Budget will contain a series of measures aimed at tackling vacancy and dereliction in our cities and towns.
He told the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting that there needs to be greater assistance for people willing to bring vacant properties back into use, as well as measures designed to make it easier to convert commercial premises into residential.
The Tánaiste told tonight’s meeting that he believes schemes should be enhanced and extended to other parts of the country.
He wants to see a particular focus on how we put vacant space above shops into use.
It is expected, therefore, that Budget 2026 will signal that more people will be able to apply for grants, as restrictions on buildings and locations will be loosened.
Environmental groups call for €500m annual spend on nature protection and restoration
Separately, environmental groups are calling on the government to spend almost €500m every year on nature protection and restoration.
They also claim it could save €14 billion if it urgently implements the climate commitments included in the programme for government.
The Irish Environmental Network wants the Government to allocate at least €180m to increase retrofit delivery and support zero carbon public housing.
The network, a coaltion of 32 groups which includes An Taisce, Birdwatch Ireland and Friends of the Earth says it would be prudent for the Government to invest in climate and nature projects in Budget 2026.
It says an assessment commissioned by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) found the Government should be spending a minimum of €463.5m every year and this should include long-term, multi-annual programmes.
Oonagh Duggan, Head of Advocacy at BirdWatch Ireland and a member of the Environmental Pillar Steering Committee said: "Stakeholders and experts across the country are dedicating their time to help the Government develop an ambitious plan to restore nature and meet our legal obligations.
"But without a commitment to full funding from the outset, this plan is destined to fail - and those who contributed in good faith will have been failed in the process."
The network argues that it will be the most vulnerable communities who are hit hardest as impacts from climate change and biodiversity loss increase
Jerry Mac Evilly, Campaigns Director in Friends of the Earth and member of the Environmental Pillar Steering Committee said: "Record numbers of households are falling into arrears, meanwhile energy bills have not reduced in large part due to Ireland's fossil fuel reliance.
"Budget 2026 must provide immediate relief for households in crisis, while investing in a clear pathway to get Irish homes off polluting, expensive fossil fuels.
"Targeted funding and new delivery models are essential to ensure that renters and low-income households are not left behind in the transition.
"We are calling for an increase and expansion of the Fuel Allowance, increased investment in retrofitting for the most vulnerable and those in social housing, as well as the development of independent community-based energy advice services."
The network is calling for a pilot of a retrofit scheme with 100% funding for low income tenants in receipt of HAP, tied to five-year minimum leases.
It also wants the Government to commit to retrofitting all social housing and homes at risk of energy poverty by 2030.
