Spending in health must be contained this year as the government plans for worst-case scenarios under a no-deal Brexit outcome, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has warned.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney will brief colleagues with a memo on ongoing efforts to inform the public about registering with authorities or applying for grants. In particular, there will be a focus on small firms being made aware of supports.

An Oireachtas report has raised concerns about predictions that increased commercial stamp duty rates will help prop up Government funding in years to come.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe has delivered a stark warning over the Government’s ability to meet public sector pay demands in the forthcoming budget, saying talks with trade unions will be “very difficult”.