Here’s some good news for Cork families.

A variety of new measures set to be announced in Tuesday’s €10 billion Budget will lighten the load on parents.

The measures include free school books for all primary school children, saving families around €100 per child each year. The scheme is expected to be introduced in September 2023.

Minister for Education Norma Foley has also secured a further reduction in class sizes and improvements to the school bus system.

Stretched mums and dads can expect a double child benefit payment, likely paid before Christmas, as well as further reductions in the cost of childcare and a €500 reduction in college fees.

The €14bn budget package is also expected to include energy credits of up to €600 for all households in Ireland.

Speaking to reporters last night, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said those in Government are very much aware of the concerns many have regarding the cost of living in their homes and “worked very intensively to look at ideas and options that will provide supports, particularly as we move into winter.”