Howlin: Previous govt left us with €2bn hole in social welfare
The Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin has said the previous government left the current one with "a €2bn hole" of cuts in social welfare.
Brendan Howlin has refused to confirm directly in the Dáil that the Coalition promise not to touch welfare rates will be kept on Budget day.
Mr Howlin said: "What will inform the decision-making will be the programme for Government, so I'd invite the deputy to read that.
"But we also have to have regard for the fiscal reality and the mess you left us as Minister for Social Welfare with €2bn of cuts on the table. That was your legacy for us".
