Social welfare, education and health 'to take biggest hit in Budget'
Social Welfare, Education and Health will all be hit in the forthcoming budget, according to a newspaper report this morning.
The Sunday Tribune newspaper this morning has outlined how more than €1bn is set to be slashed from these Departments in December.
A report says that the Departments of Health, Education and Welfare will take most of the pain in December's budget with more than €1bn in cutbacks said to be planned for these three areas.
With the numbers of unemployed still rising its believed cuts will have to be deeper than earlier planned, with nothing being ruled out for cutbacks including child benefit and dole payments.
It is believed the old age pension will escape untouched.
However, in education there are said to be major cutbacks planned, with third level in particular likely to feel the brunt of the cuts.
Health is facing cuts of €600m with almost certain impact on frontline services.
Ministers are meeting on Monday for the final Cabinet session before the summer break.
It is believed most have accepted that December's Budget is going to be even more severe than the most recent Budget.
