Minister defends Budget plans from Central Bank criticisms

Mr McGrath said the Government will be targeting additional spending towards households and businesses who need it the most

Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath: "We need to be very conscious of the decisions that we make on Budget Day." Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Finance Minister Michael McGrath has defended plans for additional spending in the upcoming Budget saying the Government needs to find the balance between helping people and not stoking inflation further following criticism from the Central Bank of Ireland.

With the budget set to be announced on October 10, Mr McGrath has already said there will be €6.5bn worth of new measures, with €5.25bn going to extra expenditure and €1.15bn in tax cuts.