Cabinet warned to remain silent on details of budget

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has asked his Cabinet to remain silent about budget details over the weekend ahead of ministers agreeing exact final cuts and tax measures.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has yet to reveal detail on taxation measures to make up the €2.5bn budget while the overspend in health continues to stall agreement. Government sources last night said ministers were “close to agreement”, but that there could still be a need for a Cabinet meeting on Monday, after the 6pm one slated for tomorrow.

“Broad figures have been agreed but the truth is we haven’t gone into any detail of savings in depth,” added one source.