Opposition parties criticise Bord Snip proposals

Opposition parties have given a mixed reaction to the contents of the Bord Snip Nua report, which recommends around €5.3bn worth of public spending cuts.

Fine Gael's Richard Bruton broadly welcomed the report, but said it wasn’t perfect.

"The notion that you would seek to charge the most vulnerable people for their medicines is something that will shock people," Mr Bruton said, in reference to the board’s controversial recommendation to introduce a €5 charge for those previously receiving free prescriptions.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said the report was written by people who have no experience of poverty.

His view was echoed by Sinn Féin TD Aengus O'Snodaigh, who said the Government and the author of the report, Colm McCarthy, are out of touch with reality.