The extension of the free schoolbook scheme to the senior cycle is among the measures set to be announced in tomorrow’s Budget, following Government discussions last night.
Funding is also set to be provided for 1,500 more special needs assistants in schools.
Free public transport will be introduced for the under-9s, in a move long advocated by the Green Party.
Currently, only children under the age of five qualify for free public transport.
Two double child benefit payments before Christmas also look set to be announced.
The Government is finalising a cost-of-living package of around €2 billion that will be paid out before Christmas.
The cost-of-living package is set to include a €250 energy credit and extra payments on things like the fuel and living alone allowances.
Other budget measures will include an extension of the Help to Buy Scheme to 2029 following a proposal from the Minister for Finance Jack Chambers.
The stamp duty rate on the bulk buying of homes is set to rise from 10% to 15% after a review of the tax was requested by the Taoiseach.
There are also said to be ongoing discussions on the VAT rate for the hospitality sector with these talks described as sensitive.
Article Source – Free schoolbook scheme set to be extended to senior cycle – RTE
