Budget Day is finally upon us and some major changes are on the way for thousands of Irish people.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe will share the outlook for the year ahead with the Dail on Tuesday afternoon.
However we have already been given a strong indication of what to expect, and among the many positive changes on the cards are a boost for pensioners, social welfare recipients, and support for those struggling with the rise in cost of living.
There will also be good news for the childcare, aviation and tourism industries.
Aside from the many positive changes expected in the upcoming Budget, smokers are in for another price hike, as Ireland aims to be tobacco-free by 2025.
But unfortunately there are two major announcements that will not be included in Budget 2022.
It is understood there will be no further update from government on the pandemic bonus, which had been earmarked for frontline workers.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the details of the bonus are still being considered but insisted that it was ‘not a Budget Day issue.’
Among the options being considered is a tax-free voucher of up to €500, and an extra bank holiday to recognise the efforts of frontline staff amid the pandemic.
Speaking about the payment last month, Mr Martin said: “The issue in terms of recognition for those particularly on the frontline within the healthcare services but generally people who worked is one that is still gaining consideration.
“It is very challenging and we will consult with the social partners in this regard as well in terms of arriving at a situation that will, I think, be fair and that will give due recognition to what has been an extraordinary effort all around.”
There will also be no further announcement on the additional Bank Holiday, which is expected to be confirmed shortly after the Budget is finalised.
The two main days that have been suggested over the past few weeks are St Brigid's Day, on February 1, and a Thanksgiving date in November.
In a letter printed in the Irish Times, former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Justice, Charlie Flanagan, explained why he thinks that St Brigid's Day would make the most sense.
"Rather than rush into having a public holiday before Christmas, or simply importing another American tradition or inventing a new pre-Christmas shop-and-spend frenzy, I suggest making February 1, Brigid's Day, a new annual public holiday.
"Brigid and Patrick are probably our best-loved saints. St Brigid, however, has never got the full national recognition she deserves.
"It is well past time to put Brigid on the same level as her male counterpart.."
