Public Expenditure Officials 'fine-tuning' Budget Details

Public expenditure officials 'fine-tuning' budget details

The Public Expenditure Minister says he is in the final stages of negotiations with individual Departments ahead of the Budget. It comes a day after the Fiscal Advisory Council warned the Government that it should stick to plans for 2 billion euro in tax increases and spending cuts - despite the strengthening economic recovery. Minister Brendan Howlin admits he is now putting the 'finishing touches' on the exact funds each Department will be allocated - and 'very significant' cuts may not be required. He says the meetings with his colleagues are challenging - but are far easier now than in the depths of the financial crisis. "My officials are now fine tuning the final spreadsheets for my engagement with ministers - some very formal, some less formal - as we clarify the overall spend and then specific issues that I need further information about" he said. "All meetings in relation to spending are difficult - but I have ot say that they're of a different magnitude this year than any other because I'm not seeking very significant cuts in expenditure for the first time since IW as given this job - and thank God for that" he added.