Households can apply for help from the fund through their local authority, for example the city council

The Sinn Féin alternative budget states that Mary Lou McDoanald's party would abolish the USC on earnings under €45,000 over the course of two budgets.

Budget 2025 is just days away and is expected to provide some much-needed supports for the cost of living crisis. Here's everything you need to know about measures set to be included - from energy credits and fuel allowance adjustments to social welfare increases and tax cuts.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers has said there will be a "substantial package to help people through the winter period" which will be discussed in Government Budget negotiations.

Speaking on RTÉ's The Week in Politics, Green Party Junior Minister Malcolm Noonan said he did not believe his party could support the suggestion.

We will hear the full list of measures that the government will be announcing and implementing as well as details on their cost of living package on Tuesday, October 1st

The Tánaiste had called for an increase to the monthly Child Benefit rate of €140, while Minister O’Gorman had called for a €560 “baby boost” to be paid in the first month of a baby’s life. It is understood he is “pushing hard” for this proposal.

Government Minister are meeting to add the final touches to Budget 2025, which is set to be announced on Tuesday. Here are 12 things we expect to be announced, from tax breaks to energy credits and social welfare increases.