Tánaiste to take ‘social policy’ into account over proposed cuts

TÁNAISTE Mary Coughlan has indicated that a “social policy perspective” could render some of the more controversial recommendations in the Bord Snip Nua report off-limits.

Despite Taoiseach Brian Cowen insisting nothing in report should be ruled out from consideration, Ms Coughlan indicated yesterday that social implications would have to be taken into account.

Speaking on her native Donegal the Enterprise Minister said Professor Colm McCarthy’s report was an economic exercise to identify areas of overspending but government policy also had to factor in non-financial consequences.