Fine Gael and Independent Alliance budget differences unresolved

Major stumbling blocks around Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) and the retirement age remain unresolved between Fine Gael and the Independent Alliance ahead of next week’s budget.

Members of the Independent Alliance expect budget negotiations with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to “go down to the wire” as they grapple to resolve a number of significant differences.

A meeting between the five Independent Alliance TDs and Mr Donohoe was described as “very tense”. Another meeting has been arranged for tomorrow and negotiations are likely to go through the weekend.