The new measures will include a one-time child benefit payment of €100 and a €200 payment to those who are receiving social welfare payments.

State examination fees for the Junior and Leaving Certificates will be once again waived, as in 2022. Meanwhile, those who avail of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will be given an additional €100.

All DEIS schools and special schools will be granted access to the free hot meals programme, while charges for transport will be reduced to €50pp for primary school pupils and €75pp for post-primary students.

Excise duty cuts were due to be removed next week, which would have seen a sudden 23-cent jump in petrol prices and an 18-cent jump in diesel prices. However, the government has instead opted for a phased removal, meaning fuel prices will increase incrementally, first at the beginning of June, then at the beginning of September, followed by a final increase at the end of October.

In the line of business support, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) will be extended until 31st of May. Meanwhile, the 9% VAT rate for hospitality and tourism is being extended to the 31st of August. The 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas will also be extended, in this instance to the 31st of October.

“As I think everyone knows, we’re experiencing a very major cost of living crisis of both in Ireland and globally,” said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

“A lot of people are struggling to make ends meet, and businesses are grappling with rising costs.

“Because of the strength of our economy, and the health of our public finances, the Government has been able to respond dynamically to help people, families, businesses and farmers to manage rising costs over the past year.”