Cabinet hold second round of pre-Budget talks

The Cabinet are to meet at Government Buildings in Dublin today in preparation for Budget day on October 14.

The meeting may extend into tomorrow and at least another four meetings are expected between now and the announcement of the details for 2009’s Budget in 10 days time.

With a current deficit of €9bn, widespread cuts are expected to be high on today’s agenda.

Traditionally, the Cabinet meets once on the Sunday before the Budget - however, this is the second such meeting in a week.