Independent Alliance submits budget requests to Fine Gael

The Independent Alliance has given Fine Gael a deadline of tomorrow to deliver on its budget demands.

The group of six put forward a number of requests to Finance Minister Michael Noonan and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe last week and will be expecting them to be delivered upon.

Among the areas they are prioritising are further funding for the farm assist programme which helps small farmers; the extension of the rural social scheme that currently employs 2,600 people; measures around rural town and village renewal as well as extra supports for older people.