Over 147,000 full-time carers in Ireland are set to receive a €2,000 Carer's Support Grant payment this week, as announced by Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary.

In an interview, Dara Calleary addressed upcoming budget plans, the leadership of Fianna Fáil, and responded to Leo Varadkar's "divisive" remarks concerning rural Ireland.

Irish Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary stated that the decision on extending excise duty cuts on petrol and diesel will not be swayed by the timing of upcoming by-elections.