Ministerial row over budget welfare priorities

“Strong” disagreements between ministers over which welfare benefits should get priority in tomorrow’s budget have delayed its finalisation, it can be revealed.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe will host a series of last-minute meetings with ministerial colleagues today to overcome the severe impasse.

Several Government sources, speaking to the Irish Examiner, have confirmed that Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty has yet to finalise her budget with Mr Donohoe and was according to sources “unhappy” with progress over the weekend.