Paschal Donohoe is set to announce Budget 2021 later this afternoon as some major changes are expected.
A Christmas bonus, more healthcare spending and rises in carbon tax, motor tax and cigarette prices are among the key measures set to be announced.
There is likely to be a record increase in public spending as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.
The Government is also expected to announce half a billion euro to fund cross border projects over the next five years.
What time is the announcement?
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is expected to begin his speech to the Dail at 1pm this afternoon.
Here's everything we are expecting to be announced later today;
Christmas bonus
Christmas bonuses will be paid to all pensioners, those on disability, unemployment assistance and all other regular welfare recipients.
And in a last minute Budget 2021 deal, nine out of 10 on the PUP (Pandemic Unemployment Payment ) will also get double money before Christmas - reportedly on December 7.
Normally you have to be on a benefit for 15 months to qualify for a Christmas bonus, but this has been shortened to just four months in an “exceptional time” a Government source said.
More Gardai
Paschal Donohoe will announce later today that 600 new Garda recruits will enter Templemore next year.
Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, has also agreed to funding for 70 brand new Garda squad cars.
Pensioners
Every elderly person who qualifies for the fuel allowance will get an extra €3.50 a week into their pocket with an across the board increase in this payment.
More money - an extra fiver a week - has been found to provide for a hike in the Living Alone allowance that so many older people qualify for.
And every pensioner will enjoy the Christmas bonus as part of the Department of Social Protection’s generous double payment to all welfare recipients in December.
Carbon tax
The hit this year will amount to an extra €7.50 a tonne, which in real terms will see the cost of filling a 60 litre car with diesel up by around €1.50.
Cigarette prices
Another consumer tax hike that can be bet on as pretty much a sure thing is another which on packs of cigarettes.
It will be between an extra 20c and 50c on a pack of 20, it is expected.
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