‘No easy options’ in emergency budget

THE crisis budget will pose “no easy options” according to the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, as he revealed the Government may seek savings of more than €4.5 billion.

The extent of the cuts and tax increases will be unveiled on April 7 giving just two days of debate before the Dáil breaks for holidays. The break will be cut short by a week to allow deputies return on April 22 to debate the measures and pass the budget through the House.

During Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil yesterday, Mr Cowen said the Government faces a gap of e4.5bn — made up of e3.5bn in revenue shortfalls and e1.5bn in extra expenditure caused by more people becoming unemployed.