Ministers to discuss outline of next Budget
The cabinet is expected to discuss a broad outline of this December's Budget when it meets in Dublin later today.
This year's Budget is expected to be the most austere in many years, but the Government has given little indication of what measures it is planning to cut back on spending and boost revenue.
On Monday, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, denied the Government was planning to break its commitments on benchmarking due to falling tax revenues and continuing pressure on the public finances.
He also denied reports that the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition was planning to reduce its contributions to the Special Savings Incentive Scheme.
Tánaiste Mary Harney has also ruled out any increase in income tax or indirect taxes, saying such a move would have an adverse effect on employment.
