Cowen targets environment goals in Budget

The Minister for Finance Brian Cowen began delivering his budget speech to a packed Dáil chamber by saying that environmental and economic goals are foremost in the Budget.

"Next year will see our economy growing, compared to recent years in a relatively modest rate," the minister said.

"In this changed environment of more modest growth, this government will manage the resources so that growth will be sustained into the future."

Mr Cowen promised to protect the incomes of the vulnerable in society, and stated that other main goals included boosting the government's environmental goals, supporting working people, helping home buyers and boosting the economy while "adapting to the reality of more moderate growth in the future".

"I will do this while ensuring that the budgetary outlook remains positive and builds on the improvements in our fiscal position to date."