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The Irish Sun

Latest new €285 Child Benefit update amid tax cut axe fear as Martin says ‘nothing off table' in Budget family cash plot

LOW income families look set for a cash boost after Taoiseach Micheal Martin ordered his Government to focus on tackling child poverty and improving disability services in upcoming budget talks. However, income 4 Taoiseach Micheal Martin ordered his Government to focus on tackling child poverty and improving disability services in Budget 2026 Credit: Collins Photos 4 Paschal Donohoe warned that tough decisions need to be made Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 4 Low income families look set for a cash boost Credit: Getty Images - Getty There are just three weeks left until This uncertainty hangs over budget preparations as Ireland's economy could be devastated by any move to tax goods exported to the Tanaiste READ MORE IN MONEY He said: "The country is in a healthy economic space and that is one of the messages from the National Economic Dialogue today but with dark storm clouds on the horizon and therefore we have to manage that situation carefully." Taoiseach A previous report from the ESRI recommended a second tier of children benefit for lower income families would help tackle This would be means tested and paid at a higher rate to help Most read in Money The Taoiseach did not rule out such an approach in the upcoming budget as he claimed "nothing is off the table." He said: "We will be examining all aspects of that. Martin & Harris speak outside the Dail after chaotic scenes prevent taoiseach election "I have a unit within the Department that is focusing on this issue and I've already spoken to Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary on this. "Nothing is off the table. There is a wide menu of options to choose from to target resources to meaningfully impact on the child poverty situation. "That's not just income supports but also other initiatives such as the DEIS plus." DISABILITY HELP On disabilities, the Taoiseach said he wants the movement of therapy services into schools to be significantly funded in the He also indicated that the process of scrapping the means test for the carers allowance will begin in the next budget. He told the Irish Sun: "There will be. That will come under consideration. "We're not doing the budget today but that is a commitment in the Programme for Government." VAT VOW Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed that the lowering of the VAT rate for the hospitality sector to 9 per cent will be prioritised in this budget - even if it means sacrificing income tax cuts for workers. He said: "We made very clear in the general election that choices have to be made and choices have to be made in how we use the country's money. "There are commitments that I know all parties in Government are committing to delivering from a VAT perspective but as we make decisions in relation to that then there are other things we can't do." BUDGET 2025 MEASURES - WHAT DOES IT DO FOR YOU? ONE-OFF PAYMENTS: €250 electricity credits - 2 x €125 with one paid in 2024 and one in 2025 Double week for all long-term weekly social welfare recipients in October €300 Fuel Allowance lump sum in November €200 Living Alone Allowance lump sum this winter Double month of Child Benefit in November AND December €400 Working Family Payment lump sum this winter €100 Qualified Child Increment lump sum this winter Social welfare Christmas bonus in first week of December €400 lump sum to selected welfare categories this winter Double payment of Foster Care Allowance in December TAX MEASURES: €125 Increase in the Main Tax Credits €2,000 Increase in the Standard Rate Cut-off Point €150 Increase in the Home Carer Tax Credit €150 Increase in the Single Child Carer Credit €300 Increase in the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit €300 Increase in the Blind person Credit Reduction in the four per cent USC rate to three per cent Increase in the Rent Tax Credit from €750 to €1,000 Increase in the Excise Duty and VAT on a pack of cigarettes by €1 - bringing price to €18.05 VAT on Heat Pumps decreased to nine per cent Sea-going Naval Personnel Tax credit extension 4 Tanaiste Simon Harris speaking to the media as he arrives at Government Buildings, Dublin, ahead of a Cabinet meeting. Picture date: Wednesday March 19, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved