Michael Noonan: Big benefits on the expenditure side in budget

Today’s budget will lead to improved health and education services and help the fight against crime, Finance Minister Michael Noonan said yesterday.

“We have decided the resources available will be divided on at least a two to one basis between tax reductions and increased expenditure in favour of public expenditure,” Mr Noonan said.

“There will be quite significant increases in public expenditure. There will be reductions which will apply to low pay and middle-income people.