Welfare recipients to get 'triple whammy' of financial assistance in the budget 

If the policy is agreed on by Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath, parents could get a one-off payment €280 if they have one child. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

Welfare recipients are set to receive a “triple whammy” of financial assistance in the budget including a double once-off payment in the Autumn, thanks to the buoyancy in the public finances.

It is also expected the cost-of-living package in the budget to help struggling families could reach €2bn though that will depend on how expensive the public sector pay deal will be, senior Government ministers have said.