Pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, and poor set to benefit from 'broad' budget package

An all-inclusive social benefits package is close to being agreed for the budget which will see increased payments shared among pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and impoverished families.

A rush to claim credit for the wins for vulnerable groups is now under way ahead of the Fine Gael-led government unveiling the budget next Tuesday.

The Cabinet held a special meeting last night where increased amounts for the budget were discussed, believed to be around €1.2bn.