The Apple tax money is set to be spent on housing, water and electricity services.

The broadcaster and former agriculture minister made the prediction at a live show in Dublin last night, called Path to Power.

In a letter to Independent TD Denis Naughten, Simon Harris says various state agencies are working hard to ensure an interim solution is in place before the winter.

There has been much speculation recently that the election will be called shortly after the delivery of the Budget.

Oireachtas members, local councillors and other stakeholders raised their concerns at the meeting in the Hodson Bay Hotel.

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.

Independent TD Denis Naughten says over half of dentists have left the scheme in County Roscommon in the last five years.