It is the eve of Budget day and groups and opposition parties are all setting out their stalls.

Budget 2025 - Figure 1
Photo Nova.ie

A potential 12 euro increase to social welfare payments has reportedly been a sticking point for the coalition parties.

Ministers though have denied that some of the items in Finance Minister Jack Chambers speech have caused friction.

Meanwhile, two extra child benefit payments before the end of the year is likely to be included.

Free transport for those aged under 9 looks already signed off.

Other measures possibly include; funding for 400 additional Gardaí, a one-off reduction in college fees, and a €250 energy credit.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has confirmed that while there is a “roadmap” for increasing Child Benefit for lower-income families, this measure will not be included in this year’s Budget.

Overall it looks set to be a giveaway budget, with one eye on a potential November election, despite the Taoiseach insisting the Government will last till next Spring.