Parents and children expected to be big winners in Budget as Government plans new supports for families

"We're going to have a cost-of-living package to help people with the cost of living, we can't exclude parents and Child Benefit is helpful," Mr Harris said.

"The Taoiseach said he wants to see free school books for all students in primary and secondary schools. Books are currently free up to Junior Cert level and this scheme is expected to be expanded to Leaving Cert students."

"Both Mr Harris and Mr Martin said they wanted supports such as the Working Family Payment and Increase for a Qualified Child payment to be enhanced to help families on lower incomes."

"Mr Harris would also like to see tax credits used to help families with the cost of sending their children to third-level education."

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