A revision of the income limits for medical cards and a cut in car tax are among the measures the Government is said to be considering to help people deal with the cost of living.
It emerged yesterday that an increase in the credit being applied to energy bills next month may also be agreed.
Government sources have told the Irish Independent the fuel allowance season may also be extended to help those on the lowest incomes, while a reduction in the VAT rate on energy bills and certain foods is also under consideration.
Dr. Seán Healy from Social Justice Ireland says the focus should be on the most vulnerable in society.
"The first thing they should do now is in crease the most basic core social welfare rate by €5, the reason for that is the most vulnerable people are depending on welfare.
"The second group they should target is people on low pay, particularly those who are living in poverty. There are over 100,000 people with jobs who are actually living in poverty."
