Noonan: there is 'a little bit of flexibility' in budget
The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, said there is "a little bit" of room to be flexible in next month's Budget.
Noonan had previously stated he would not budge on the €3.1bn euro target, but has now said he is prepared to impose less cuts and taxes than originally planned.
Speaking as he arrived for this morning's Cabinet meeting, he said there is room for flexibility but it's too early to nail down a specific figure.
"People obviously are finding it very difficult, and you know, we don't want to impose any hardship that isn't necessay.
"But the most important task we have between now and Christmas is to exit the bailout, and the Europeans are very insistent that we meet the targets.
"But there is a a little bit of flexibiltiy, and we'll work in that space to bring in the best buidget possible."
Labour has said it wants a maximum adjustment of €2.5bn. Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said no figure had been agreed, and it would not be until more information on tax returns was available to the Cabinet.
