The Cabinet is meeting this morning to sign off on the final measures of Budget 2016.
The coalition is planning to introduce a number of changes designed to increase the take-home pay of thousands of workers across the country.
Childcare and pensions are also set to feature heavily – while the recruitment of more teachers and gardaí is also likely to be announced.
Ministers are starting to arrive here on Merrion Street this morning ahead of this Government’s last Budget.
With an election on the horizon, they’ll be looking to improve the take-home pay of every household in the State.
The Universal Social Charge will be the main target for tax changes – with workers on the average industrial wage of 36-thousand euro to benefit by one euro a day.
The minimum wage is set to rise by 50 cent an hour – while old age pensions may be set for a 3 euro increase – and hundreds more teachers and Gardaí will be recruited.
The Taoiseach has long promised more affordable childcare – and a second free pre-school year and paternity leave may also be on the cards.
All of the measures will be signed off by Ministers at the meeting which gets underway at 10 o’clock ahead of Ministers Noonan and Howlin’s speeches this afternoon.
This afternoon's announcement begins at Leinster House at 2:15.
We will have live updates throughout the afternoon here on Clare FM, outlining what Budget 2016 means to you.
