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The Taoiseach has signalled there could be a cut to tax on home heating oil as part of the Budget.

Micheál Martin said the Government is “conscious” of the global impacts on fuel and on energy prices, and is looking at everything in the round.

Speaking to the media at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore in Co Offaly, the Taoiseach said that there Government is “looking at doing something there” in terms of home heating oil.

“We have more or less focused in on the idea of decoupling that kerosene issue and making sure that we give alleviation to people in their homes, in particular home heating, over the winter period,” he said.

“We’ve looked at the figures in terms of the impact that’s particularly significant there. And yes, we are looking at doing something there.”

The Budget will be announced on October 6.

Mr Martin said the Budget gives the Government an opportunity to “take the pressure” off people through income tax cuts and reducing childcare costs.

Mr Martin said: “The government is in talks in respect to the budget. The budget is only a few weeks away.

“We have to look at the whole energy question in the round, not any specific area of that, and we understand fully the pressures on people, on farmers, on people in general.

“We know the situation has not taken a turn for the better because of what’s happening in the Strait of Hormuz, and indeed in terms of other trading routes because of war and conflict and so forth.

“So we’re very conscious of that. We’re very conscious of the global impacts on fuel and on energy prices.

“The budget gives us an opportunity across a number of fronts to try and take pressure off people through income tax reductions, through reducing childcare costs, to dealing with costs of disabilities as best we can.

“In addition then to other specific measures. As we have already, we have probably put forward some of the highest compensatory packages of any government across Europe in respect of this crisis.”

Tánaiste Simon Harris also indicated that cuts would be made on home heating oil costs.

Speaking at the same event on Tuesday, the Fine Gael leader said nothing is ruled in or out.

“I do think we should be having an informed conversation about some of the costs that are levelled on home heating oil that are levelled on by the government,” he added.

“I want to have those conversations with colleagues across Government and in the round.

“We can’t insulate people full from energy costs, but the energy costs aren’t levelled equally.

“There are some people, they’re disproportionately older people, they’re disproportionately low-income families, they’re disproportionately in rural Ireland, who are really feeling the pinch when it comes to the cost of getting home heating oil.”

He also said that childcare costs are a priority for Government in the upcoming Budget and over the next three budgets.

“Childcare is not just a social issue, though it is, it’s not just an equity, though it is, it’s an economic issue too.

“I’m meeting lots of people across the country, disproportionately women, who are making career choices on the basis of being able to access or afford childcare.

“We need to make sure that we address that issue.”