Students are set to be given cash to help meet the cost of this academic year as part of the Budget.

All full-time, third-level students will be given a €250 bonus at a total cost of €50m.

Details are being worked out but it may come as a top up to the SUSI grant payments, or through colleges if they paid fees.

The Government says Budget 2021 aims to give hope and confidence to people during the pandemic.

A multi-billion euro fund is set to be announced to help businesses, which have been forced to shut because of the crisis.

Health is to get an extra €4bn, while there is set to be a large investment in social housing.

Carbon tax is set to increase which will lead to a rise in the cost of petrol and diesel.

The cost of a packet of cigarettes could increase by up to 50 cent, while it is believed alcohol will remain untouched.

Motor tax and VRT are also set to rise for high polluting vehicles.