Deputy Smith believes that more supports are needed this year to help families struggling with increased costs.

The local minister says she's conscious of the great expenses families have in the winter time.

He said Fine Gael is committed to putting more money in people's pockets by cutting tax and USC, reducing childcare fees by 25% starting next year and by paying double child benefit at Christmas and extending the benefit to 18-yr-olds in full-time education.

Deputy Smyth said helping the public with the rising cost of living is also a budgetary priority for the party.

The TUI say more needs to be done in the upcoming budget to help the situation.

The Taoiseach insists there will be measures in the budget to help with the cost of living and to reduce income tax.

The consideration for the taxpayer simply hasn't been strong enough.

'Ireland’s budget surplus could be at risk if the European Court of Justice rules against the Government'