Next Budget must include €2bn in cuts, says watchdog

The head of the Government's budget watchdog has again insisted that the Government should cut a full €2bn in the next Budget.

Next Budget must include €2bn in cuts, says watchdog

The head of the Government's budget watchdog has again insisted that the Government should cut a full €2bn in the next Budget.

Professor John McHale said the public finances were still weak and that delaying pain now only increased the risk of more pain in future.

His comments come only a day after Michael Noonan confirmed he would ease back on austerity in the next Budget.

Professor McHale, who is chairman of the Fiscal Advisory Council said we could miss our EU deficit targets if we do not stick to the plan.

"We still have a year and a half of economic performance to go before we know what the ultimate number will be at the end of 2015," he said.

"The more you reduce the adjustment under the €2bn the more risk you take of missing that key milestone, which I think would be very poorly received."

more courts articles

Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman
Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt

More in this section

Government to introduce State contributory pension for carers Government to introduce State contributory pension for carers
Drug death in Cork Prison could be linked to nitazene opiate Drug death in Cork Prison could be linked to nitazene opiate
Four people hospitalised following suspected arson at West Dublin home  Four people hospitalised following suspected arson at West Dublin home 
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited