The government will make an additional €2 billion a year available on a structural basis to support vulnerable households. This measure will prevent a rise in the number of people living in poverty and reduce the number of children growing up in poverty. Most of this expenditure will be funded from redistribution, with people on higher incomes paying slightly more tax. Although movement in the level of the national debt will be limited for the time being, the increase in the budget deficit requires attention. The budget deficit is expected to be 2.9% in 2024.