A number of new measures are being pledged in the new programme for government including reducing childcare costs and phasing out the means test for Carer's Allowance
A new draft programme for government is published today following meetings between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael this afternoon.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD James Browne said: "What's agreed is that the VAT will come down as part of the budgetary process but energy will be part of that as well. Energy will stay at the 9%. On balance, it would ensure that those households will not see an energy increase in their rates."
He added that the government "would have liked to have done more" to support the sector at the last Budget. In terms of the shape of the incoming government, RTE reports that it is expected that Seán Canney of the regional group will be appointed a super junior minister at the Department of Transport with Noel Grealish taking on a similar role at Agriculture and Food.Overall, the Cabinet will see Fianna Fáil holding eight senior ministerial posts to Fine Gael's seven.
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