Budget not expected to increase price of a pint
The first non-austerity Budget in seven years will be delivered by the Coalition later.
It is thought that the price of a pack of cigarettes will increase by 20 cent, but alcohol is likely to be left alone.
The Coalition is set to announce a phasing out of the 'double Irish' tax system that has allowed some multinationals cut their tax bills.
An increase in take-home pay is a certainty - with a three-year package of changes to the Universal Social Charge, tax bands and a cut to the higher rate of 41% to be unveiled.
Tax relief on water charges is also expected.
Around €200m will be announced for social housing, and health is set to benefit from an increased budget, new teachers and gardaí will be hired, but the €250 hike in student registration fees will go ahead.
The 9% VAT rate on services will be maintained, and the private pension fund levy which is to be reduced to 0.15% next year may be scrapped altogether.
