Buoyant economy paves way for giveaway Budget

FINANCE Minister Brian Cowen will have huge scope to frame generous packages for childcare and elderly people in the Budget next Wednesday, following another buoyant year for the economy.

The pre-Budget White Paper on the State’s finances for 2004, published early this morning, shows for the third year in a row, revenues far exceed projections.

The Department of Finance yesterday predicted that, by the end of the year, the Exchequer deficit will be around €850 million, a whopping €2 billion better than the €2.9bn borrowing it predicted the State would require this year.