€1bn social welfare package to ease pressure on families

Outside Government Buildings before presenting Budget 2023 to Cabinet are Fianna Fáil Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath and Fine Gael Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

The Government has moved to ease the growing pressures on households through a string of one-off payments and measures to tackle spiralling fuel costs in Budget 2023.

Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath announced a €1bn social welfare package, including a series of lump-sum payments to help address what has been described as an "unprecedented" challenge with households under severe financial pressure.