Budget complies with European rules, says Michael Noonan

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has dismissed concerns the minority government’s €1.3bn budget breaches EU rules.

He was responding to questions regarding the budget at RTE studios yesterday, including queries on the new first-time home buyers’ grant and the childcare package.

Mr Noonan brushed aside comments by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council about the extra €1.3bn spend. The council says it may breach EU rules.