IRISH PEOPLE ARE split on whether next week’s Budget should prioritise tax cuts or increased public spending.

In a poll conducted by RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live and Amárach Research, almost half of people (48%) support tax cuts, but 44% want to see increased spending on public services.

The poll shows that 8% of the 1,000 Irish adults polled don’t know which way they would like to see any fiscal space used.

The government is expected to have around €1 billion extra for expenditure next week, with USC set to be cut.

The ESRI, however, has argued against any tax cuts. The think-tank says the economy will continue to grow by roughly 4% in both 2016 and 2017 and unemployment will drop to nearly 7% by the end of next year.

But they say that now is not the time to cut taxes.

Others are cautioning about returning to spending the entire budget.

In another poll question, respondents were asked whether they support Fianna Fáil’s campaign to have the old-age pension raised by €5 a week.

77% of people said they agree with the party, with 15% saying they don’t and 8% unsure.

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