REVEALED: Two double child benefit payments before Christmas on the cards for Budget

It is believed that the Taoiseach is significantly backing the two double child benefit payments, which would be paid in November and December

Two double child benefit payments before the end of the year look set to be announced in the Budget following Government talks.

Parents look set to pocket the payments before Christmas, with one paid out in November and another in December as part of Budget 2025.

The Government is finalising a cost-of-living package of close to €2 billion that will be paid out before Christmas, possibly in November and December.

This is set to include a €250 energy credit and extra payments on fuel and living alone allowances.

Free public transport will be introduced for the under-9s, a move long advocated by the Green Party.

Taoiseach Simon Harris met with Government leaders and Finance Minister Jack Chambers and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe tonight for budget talks ahead of Tuesday’s announcement.

The Irish Sun reported that sources were keen to point out that no decision will be signed off until Monday, it is believed that the Taoiseach is significantly backing the two double child benefit payments.

This will see parents land a €280 payment in November and another €280 benefit in December in the run up to Christmas.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys is also pushing for the double child benefit boost as part of the cost of living package.

The Green Party have also secured free public transport fares for those under nine years old as part of the Budget talks, RTÉ have reported.

Only children under five years old currently qualify for free public transport.

READ NEXT - 'A bright, kind and fun loving boy' - Tributes paid as young man killed in crash named locally