Begg slams suggested cuts in social welfare

The head of the Irish trade union movement has slammed suggestions that social welfare be cut as part of efforts to plug the massive hole in Ireland's public finances.

An Bord Snip Nua - the body set up by the Government to examine ways to reduce public spending - is expected to recommend welfare cuts totalling €1.5bn in its report to the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan this week.

David Begg, the general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, has described the idea as horrendous and will only add to the anxiety of unemployed people who are struggling to make ends meet.