There will be a "pandemic-scale response" to the cost of living and energy crises in Budget 2023, the Chief Whip has said.
The comments come just two weeks out from the announcement of the next budget, which is expected to tackle fuel poverty and homelessness.
Fianna Fáil TD Jack Chambers told On The Record: "There will be a pandemic-scale response that's agile, that provides a really exceptional intervention for families and businesses."
"In extraordinary times, we have to have intervention from the State", he said.
"If you look at pre-COVID, a budget of two or three billion was a significant intervention in State by a budgetary context."
Some €7 billion euro has been earmarked for Budget 2023, along with an additional cost of living package.
Energy crisis
There's widespread speculation that households are to get three €200 installments of energy credits - two this year and one early next year - to see people through the winter.
Deputy Chambers said the government "absolutely acknowledge" the hardship soaring energy bills will create, but he would not confirm specifics.
He did say, however, that there will be "exceptional intervention".
On whether universal measures will help those who might not necessarily need it, Deputy Chambers said the Budget will also include targeted measures to support working families, small businesses and those at risk of fuel poverty.
Windfall tax
The introduction of a windfall tax on energy companies "was under consideration" but did not indicate that the government would implement it domestically.
According to Deputy Chambers, the price of fuel "is being dictated by the European market" and 'weaponised' by Russia.
"There are certain energy companies, particularly companies that aren't being exposed to gas prices, that have significant profits", he added.
"As Minister [Eamon] Ryan stated yesterday, that redistribution of funds and excess profits by supporting businesses and families is something that Europe are trying to coordinate."
Listen back to the full conversation here.
Main image shows Jack Chambers TD in the Government Press Centre. Picture by: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
