Cabinet to sign off on spending review

The Cabinet is to gather today for a special meeting where it is expected to sign off on a major review of government spending.

A fresh report from economist Colm McCarthy dealing with the possible sale of State assets is also expected to be discussed.

Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin has drawn up plans for a comprehensive look at spending across all government departments.

With each section of the Government being asked to review how they use their budget and deliver services, it is thought the review could ultimately mean the end of the line for a number of agencies and quangos.

The work will feed into a strategy on how the Government will deliver services in the future.

The issue of selling off State assets to raise money is expected to be discussed this evening as well, on foot of a report from Mr McCarthy, the chairman of An Bord Snip Nua.

According to the Irish Times, his recommendation that €5bn worth of assets be sold is being met with defiance from Labour, who want less than half that to be considered.