Lenihan insists Croke Park deal stands – but only for one year

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan insisted the Croke Park deal would stand – but could only guarantee it for 12 months.

As the Cabinet put the finishing touches to its four year “recovery” plan, deep welfare cuts were signalled.

More than €2.5bn is expected to be slashed off the benefits budget annually, with 5% cuts looming in the December 7 budget.