"There is nothing easy left to do": Howlin outlines the Budget challenges

The Public Expenditure and Reform Minister has outlined the scale of the challenge facing ministers in crucial Cabinet discussions taking place today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t35UYHmqS-8

Video: TheJournal.ie

PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND Reform Minister Brendan Howlin has said there is nothing easy left to do as the country prepares for another austerity Budget next week.

Speaking ahead of this morning’s Cabinet meeting at Government Buildings, the Labour Party Minister said that any further adjustments – now likely to be €2.5 billion – will be “challenging and difficult”

He told reporters: “There is nothing easy left to do because anything in terms of expenditure reduction or tax increases that is easy – if there’s any such thing – has already been done well by now.”

Howlin confirmed that he and Finance Minister Michael Noonan will present “a common strategy paper using the most recent data” to Cabinet this morning that will set out the Budget framework.

Video: Nicky Ryan at Government Buildings

WATCH: Noonan confirms Budget adjustment is going to be ‘slightly ahead of €2.5 billion’

WATCH: Quinn on Budget 2014: ‘We want to minimise the suffering as quickly as we can’

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More