Cuts of at least €1,000 for the full time childcare for young children, are expected to be announced in tomorrow's Budget.
For people who are working in childcare for at least 45 hours a week, they will see costs for parents dropping by at least €1,000 for the year. These changes to the €96.30 weekly subsidy, as well as a lowering of the current maximum €280 weekly charge for childcare.
Childcare is set to be a central theme to this year's Budget, with discussions on the final draft continuing throughout the day in Cabinet. It had previously been discussed throughout the weekend., with exact figures set to be nailed down today.
It was also confirmed 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.
The Budget is to also see a substantial increase in funding to help the enhance the work of the residential tenancies board (RTB), with Housing Minister, James Browne determined the power of the agency, in order to deter rogue landlords. Social housing is also set to be top of Minister's Browne's list.
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.
