Local Minister, Heather Humphreys says more extra payments will be rolled out in the coming weeks.

There's a fear it could result in more people going across the border into the North to do their shopping.

"It’s so unfair.. The Minister should of made sure resources were in place.”

While previous periods of emigration were driven by mass unemployment, the jobless rate was at its lowest level in 21 years in July.

'I have talked to parents who are looking at bills of over €1,000'

Ministers are meeting to approve the Summer Economic Statement, outlining more than €2 billion in additional spending.