Budget 2023 has been delivered by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and the Minster for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath.
The financial plan for the next twelve months comes during a cost of living crisis which shows no signs of slowing down as gas, electricity, energy and food prices have all been hiked in recent weeks and months.
Budget 2023 is a €6.7 billion package set to help them out - coming alongside a €3.3 billion package specifically to deal with the cost of living.
Contained in the speeches this afternoon were a number of perks for parents, ranging from assistance with sending their children to school or college to a social welfare boost.
Here's five things that the Government have introduced to help parents in Budget 2023.
A minimum of €160 off childcare costs
Many parents have spoken out about how they're having to spend over €1,000 a month on childcare.
The Government will help them out by cutting those costs by 25%. This could save some parents close to €2,000 a year.
Fees will be reduced depending on the amount parents are currently paying, while a second reduction in costs is in line for 2024.
A minimum reduction of €160 will be brought in in the near future.
Double payment of child benefit in November
Amid a wide range of social welfare payment increases came the news that a special double payment of child benefit is expected in November. This will amount to €140 per child.
Extension of free GP care scheme
Another 400,000 children have been included in the Department of Health's scheme for free GP care.
This is an expansion of the commitment that all six and seven year olds would qualify for the free visits to their GP from the Government.
The addition means that almost half of the children in Ireland are now covered by the universal plan - which will now save the parents of those affected hundreds off medical bills in 2023 and beyond.
Free school books
Minister for Education Norma Foley has been the main driver behind the plan to give school books to every single primary school pupil in the country for free.
This was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon in the Dáil and will come as a major relief to struggling Irish parents who have seen costs and booklists both rise in size over the last few years.
It is believed that the plan will come at a cost of around about €18 million.
College fees
It isn't just primary school kids who will see the benefits from this Budget, as a major change to college education fees was confirmed by the Ministers
Under the new plan, any family earning under €100k a year will see a permanent reduction of €500 in fees. For families who earn under €62,000, student fees will be reduced to €1,500 per year per student.
SUSI grants will also rise by 10-14pc on average.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris sought out the changes, including a €1,000 reduction in fees this year, effective from tomorrow.
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