FG: Government has lost control

The latest revenue estimates are an appalling reflection of a Government that has lost both control of the economy and the trust of the Irish people, Fine Gael said today.

The figures compiled from each Government department show that the cost of servicing Ireland's debt will have shot up by €2bn by next year, a rise of 75%.

The 2010 projections published today also show that social welfare spending is expected to increase by €3bn next year.

They come just days before Finance Minister Brian Lenihan unveils what is expected to be the toughest Budget in the history of the State.