Tomorrow's Budget is expected to announce cuts of at least €1,000 for the full time childcare for young children.
Childcare is set to be central to this year's Budget, with discussions on the final draft continuing throughout the day in Cabinet, having previously been discussed throughout the weekend. Exact figures are set to be pinned down today.
One thing which remains clear ahead of Budget 2027, those who are working in childcare for at least 45 hours a week, these changes will see costs for parents dropping by at least €1,000 for the year, through changes to the €96.30 weekly subsidy, as well as a lowering of the current maximum €280 weekly charge for childcare.
It was also announced that funding would be made available for wage increases for people working in the early years childcare sector.
The new rates are to be introduced next September, applying to children up to Senior Infants class.
However, the chances of a further reduction in the student contribution fee looks increasingly unlikely, but the issue does remain under consideration.
A substantial increase in funding to help the enhance the work of the residential tenancies board (RTB) also set to be included as part of the Budget, with Housing Minister, James Browne determined the power of the agency, in order to deter rogue landlords.
Mr Browne is also pushing for more funding for social housing.
It was also revealed that the Government will look into tax changes, as well as reducing the cost of energy, and to finalise an overall income tax package.
Ahead of tomorrow's Budget announcement, rural campaigners have warned that the rate of pub closures will only accelerate if they do not receive sufficient supports. Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) gave warned that another 1,000 more pubs are at risk of closing by 2035 if they do not receive such Budget supports.
Current figures suggest that one pub is closing every three and a half days on average, with as many as 86 pubs closing last year. More on this story here.
