The government are to reveal details of a package of measures today to help households to manage the rising cost of living.
Measures are planned to help those working and those on low incomes – it is understood that the support will cost the taxpayer approximately 400 million euros.
Already announced is a credit on energy bills to the extent of €113.5 per household – this may be increased – possibly doubled.
The Fuel Allowance payment that is available to certain households until the end of March may be increased by a double weeks payment or an additional lump sum.
A planned €10 increase to the Weekly Family Payment due to start in June could be brought forward to April.
A survey conducted by Red C for the Society of the St Vincent de Paul suggests that the number of people struggling financially has risen from 9% to 18% since the start of the pandemic.
37% of respondents say they have cut back on essential heating and electricity use due to the increasing costs.
