Think-tank urges cuts in social welfare

SOCIAL welfare rates should be cut and eligibility criteria tightened to prevent people being dissuaded from returning to work, an international think-tank has said.

The OECD’s report also urges the Government to cut the deficit faster than planned — if growth rates allow — “in order to help regain credibility in financial markets”.

The report came as Taoiseach Enda Kenny denied there was a split in Cabinet over the size of the adjustment to be made in the December Budget.