In a surprising move, the extension of child benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education is set to be expedited, as revealed in a revised approach to be presented to the Cabinet on Tuesday. Originally slated to commence in September alongside other budgetary measures, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys will now propose implementing the initiative from the beginning of May.

This unexpected acceleration, designed as a cost-of-living adjustment and recognizing the substantial number of 18-year-olds still in secondary education, will be facilitated through upcoming social welfare legislation.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet is poised to discuss the establishment of a specialized Oireachtas committee to delve into the recent report of the Citizens’ Assembly on drug use. Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, overseeing the National Drugs Strategy, aims to maintain momentum in policy discussions and swiftly institute the committee.

Other notable topics on the Cabinet's agenda include proposed amendments to road traffic legislation presented by Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers, addressing loopholes related to drug test result processing and penalty point avoidance.

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien is expected to update the Cabinet on housing sector delivery, revealing a forecasted 12.3% growth in residential construction output for 2023 and 2024.

 Additionally, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe seeks Cabinet approval for a public pay deal struck with unions, totaling €3.6 billion over 2½ years. The Health Service Executive’s National Service Plan for 2024 may also be considered, pending confirmation from the Cabinet. 

In a separate development, the Cabinet will contemplate its response to a Sinn Féin Dáil motion advocating the elimination of the TV license, substitution with direct exchequer funding, and amnesty for non-payers. Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould emphasized the need for adequately funded independent media, estimating the cost of exchequer funding at €140 million annually. 

As the government awaits expert group reports on governance, culture, and HR matters at RTÉ, a decision on the national broadcaster's future funding remains pending. Sinn Féin's proposal includes a "triple lock" safeguard for RTÉ's independence, incorporating multi annual funding, independent media commission recommendations, and legislative restrictions on deviating from funding levels except in "exceptional circumstances."

The impending Cabinet approval could pave the way for a counter motion in response to Sinn Féin's stance on the TV license issue.