Measures to help people cope with rising living costs, which will be decided by Government this evening, need to be done in a 'careful' way.
The public expenditure Minster says that whatever is decided needs to be implemented quickly.
A doubling of the energy credit to 200 euro, an extension to the fuel allowance season, and a bringing forward of some previously announced budget measures are all in the mix.
There's been criticism that higher earners are also set to benefit.
But Minister Michael McGrath says there are many middle income earners who are struggling with high mortgages and childcare costs and they need assistance too.
"many of them are not well off and they are struggling, and they feel they are running to stand still.
"I understand that, the Government understands that, that's why there will be a universal element to the package today.
"The ability to implement this quickly is important, people are paying a lot on energy bills, the weather is cold, people have to have their heating on and they're facing high bills.
"This is the time that they need help, more so than in the middle of the summer, so we need to be able to do it quickly."
