Three in 10 people aged 66 and over rely on social protection for 90 per cent of their income.

Speaking on today's Joe Finnegan Show, EU Minister and Longford/Westmeath TD Peter Burke defended the budget, which was revealed on Tuesday.

Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty believes the budget allocation must cover the long delayed project.

Deputy Naughten said rural Ireland faced challenges such as inflation and the current cost of living. He said the only way to address these issues was through significant investment in infrastructure, local jobs and remote working.

We'll keep you up to date as minister for finance Michael McGrath delivers the 2024 budget

Energy credits will be back again this winter - they'll be worth 450 euro in total.

CEO of Alone, Sean Moynihan, says the vast majority want help for older people forced to rent.

In an interview in the The Irish Independent Minister Daragh O'Brien said he would also seek income based tax breaks for landlords.