Cowen suggests Bord Snip report will be published

The Taoiseach has strongly indicated that the recommendations of An Bord Snip Nua will be published.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan received the report this week and will present it to his Cabinet colleagues next week.

However, the Government has refused to say whether the proposals for cutting public spending will be made public or kept under wraps until the Budget in December.

There is believed to be some disagreement within the Government on the matter, with some arguing that the report could undermine the Lisbon Treaty referendum campaign.

Others say the coalition needs to be up front with the electorate about the type of cuts that will be needed to plug the massive hole in the public finances.

Speaking in Tralee today, Brian Cowen said he believed it was important for the public to be aware of the painful choices facing the Government ahead of the Budget.