Ministers hint Government will stick to budget spending rules

Mr McGrath said the most obvious vulnerability of the public finances would be the increasing reliance on volatile corporation tax receipts

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe (right) and Minister for Finance Michael McGrath at the National Economic Dialogue conference in Dublin Castle.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe has hinted against a giveaway budget later this year suggesting the Government will stick to its target of 5% annual expenditure growth.

Last week, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) advised the Government not to use excess corporation tax receipts to fund additional spending which it said could not be justified at this time.