Cabinet ministers will discuss proposals for emergency energy payments to all households on Tuesday.

It is expected Environment Minister Eamon Ryan will bring the idea to Cabinet that could see households paid €100 against energy bills early in the new year.

Energy costs have been spiraling over the past year, with the Government now set to go beyond proposals outlined in the budget.

They focused on putting more money in pockets through social welfare on income tax indexation - but the new plan could see energy bills paid directly.

Proposals being considered are for a €100 payment per household towards winter energy bills, likely for a bill due in January or February.

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd-Barrett says a more permanent measure is needed.

"€100 is absolutely pathetic against a background of people's bills going up between 5 - maybe as high as €800 and €900 - in the year.

"What the Government should be doing is putting caps on energy prices".

A system of maximum price orders in the UK has seen energy companies going bust - with suggestions the Government could reduce its take in carbon taxes, the PSO levy or VAT to bring prices down.

Minister Ryan is also due to update the Cabinet on the progress of climate action targets.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar is expected to confirm a financial support scheme for businesses and community organisations which experienced damage due to Storm Barra, with support of up to €20,000 available.

And Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has a memo at Cabinet, offering additional financial supports to businesses who take on apprentices.

He will tell colleagues there has been a 29% increase in the number of apprenticeships this year when compared with 2019.

Additional reporting: Jack Quann