Lenihan: Welfare cuts ‘small sums’ while ministers’ cuts were ‘dramatic’

WELFARE cuts in the budget were “small sums”, Brian Lenihan said yesterday, while claiming ministers had taken “dramatic reductions” in their earnings.

Speaking on the morning after the budget of savage welfare cuts amounting to €8 a week for carers, the unemployed and disabled, the Finance Minister said spending on such benefits will have to be curtailed in the next four years.

“Every Government — of whatever colour — will have to ensure our welfare bill is under strict control. Because it’s now €23 billion of our total expenditure; that is not sustainable for this country, we cannot afford to pay this,” he said.