Health, education set to receive budget spending boost

The Departments of Health and Education are both expected to receive a funding boost in today's budget.

Ministers Mary Harney and Mary Hanafin have both said they expect more money, despite warnings of a tight budget.

Ms Harney says her department's increased funding will focus in particularly on services for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Ms Hanafin, meanwhile, says she will use any extra funds to cater for the increase in demand for school places.

The ASTI says it would like to see the money spent on resources for children with special needs.