WITH JUST AN hour to go before Michael Noonan takes the metaphorical mic in the Dáil, this is what we think we know.

Leaks have been abundant in the last few hours and much of the news looks positive in many ways for many people.

This is what (we think) we know so far:

• A fourth USC band will be added for high earners and bands will be expanded to help middle- and low-income workers
• Child Benefit will go up to €135 per child a month
• Cigarettes will be hit with a 40 cent increase, bringing them to €10
• Pensioners will get a 25% Christmas bonus
• The 41% tax bracket will be reduced to 40%
• More people will receive a €100 payment to help with water charges
• There will be tax relief up to €100 a year on water bills
• Alcohol prices are staying where they are
• The pension levy is being retained, but reduced substantially
• There will be a massive investment in teachers, social housing and healthcare
• The ‘Double Irish’ tax loophole is going to be closed

We will find out how many of those predictions come true at 2.30pm.

Follow our Budget coverage here