Cavan Senator Joe O'Reilly has said this year's budget is targeted at children and young people and is "an investment in the future of our country."
The former primary school teacher said "we must treasure every child" and that the measures introduced in the budget will lift many Irish children out of poverty.
Mr O'Reilly acknowledged those looking after a family are facing higher energy bills, grocery bills and the added cost of childcare which can be a "real source of stress".
He said Fine Gael is committed to putting more money in people's pockets by cutting tax and USC, reducing childcare fees by 25% starting next year and by paying double child benefit at Christmas and extending the benefit to 18-yr-olds in full-time education.
He also pointed to other education commitments made in this year's budget, including free hot meals for an additional 900 primary schools next year and the free schoolbooks now available up to junior cycle:
