'Significant' rise in social welfare needed to combat cost of living crisis

Sources said all three government parties are keen to see fees cut in October

Mr Varadkar identified childcare as a key area to be addressed by the Government in the context of the Budget. Picture: PA

Childcare fees could be cut before Christmas, the Taoiseach has indicated, while the Tánaiste said that a significant increase in social welfare will be needed.

Both Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar were speaking at the opening of the National Economic Dialogue and, while the Taoiseach ruled out any pre-budget intervention to bring down the cost of living, he indicated a move could be made before Christmas to bring down the cost of childcare.