Public spending to remain prudent, says Cowen

BRIAN COWEN cautioned against unrealistically high expectations of increased spending by the Government.

Ahead of the publication in three weeks’ time of the pre-Budget estimates of expenditure for 2005, the Minister for Finance said the Government will continue its policy of prudent management of public finances.

The minister said resources will be targeted at priorities in the health, education and social welfare areas and capital investment will be maintained at a high level to sustain the potential for continuing economic growth into the longer term.