A doubling of child benefit payments before Christmas will be announced in the Budget after government talks. It will be given before Christmas, probably in November and December. The free school book scheme will be extended to the senior cycle and 1,500 special needs assistants will be funded in schools.
The government is finalizing a €2 billion cost-of-living package, which is set to include a €250 energy credit, extra payments for fuel and living alone allowances. Free public transport will be introduced for children below 9 years of age, currently only children under the age of five are currently eligible for free public transport.
The Help-to-Buy scheme is likely to be extended till 2029. The rate of stamp duty on wholesale purchases of homes will rise from 10% to 15% following a review requested by Taoiseach Simon Harris. Discussions are underway on the rate of VAT in the hospitality sector.
Prime Minister Harris, who said the package should address the challenges faced by the people, had earlier hinted that the cost of living package in the budget would be bigger than expected. He added that the three coalition leaders would meet with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe today. He added that the focus will be on Universal Social Charge, Standard Tax Rate and Tax Credits.
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