Finance Minister Michael Noonan has hinted at some easing up on austerity next year, saying the full €2 billion planned in spending cuts and tax increases in October’s budget may not be needed.

Kerry South TD Michael Healy-Rae said he is "the only person in Ireland that’s paying for other people’s phone bills" as he announced today that he intends to pay back €2,600 in costs incurred by the taxpayer as a result of calls to premium rate phone lines from Leinster House.

AGRICULTURE Minister Simon Coveney has ruled out increasing the AEOS payment for designated NHA, SAC or SPA land from €75 to €150 per hectare — which was the intention when the scheme was launched last year.