Communications budget down 6.5%

OVERALL the budget for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will fall by 6.5% next year from €536 million to €501m.

The breakdown will see the biggest chunk of department money, €278m, going to broadcasting, followed by €81m for communications.

But the Labour party criticised the department’s ministers for the low 2% rise in fuel allowances. It was pathetic, said the party, considering the recent steep increases in electricity and gas and the bitter winter ahead.