Lenihan: NDP is a top priority

The Minister for Finance has said the Government's top priority remains the National Development Plan.

Brian Lenihan said serious decisions will have to be taken for Budget 2009.

Tax receipts are down significantly and the Government is expected to face difficult decision on where to reduce spending to deal with the economic slowdown.

The Department of Finance is expected to engage with all Departments over the coming months on spending priorities for next year.