A decision on extending or cutting the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment may have to be made by the next government, the Taoiseach has said.

Spending billions is required to support economic recovery, but any new government will face tough choices over cuts and tax hikes if it is to meet Sláintecare and housing pledges.

Spending of billions to support the recovery over the next few years is the right thing to do, but a new government soon after will face “difficult choices” over cuts and tax rises if it is to meet pledges over Sláintecare and housing, the head of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Advisory Council has warned.