Alternative budget plans propose more tax than expected

Two alternatives to next weeks budget have been outlined by the Opposition - both would tax more than Michael Noonan is likely to announce.

Taxing drink from the off licence, salty and sugary foods

Fianna Fáil's alternative budget is a €2.4bn correction - €100m less than what the coalition plans.

It is effectively a 50-50 tax hikes and spending cuts split - the Government will go with about two thirds spending cuts.

The party wants higher USC for high earners, a 15% levy on off-licence sales, a sugar and salt tax, a euro on a pack of cigarettes, increased betting duty and 50 cent on a bottle of wine.

On spending cuts Fianna Fáil's biggest chunk would come from public sector workers, non branded drugs and procurement savings.

Finance spokesman Michael McGrath insists it is not a case of taxing middle ireland.

"The package is balanced between the spending side and the taxation side, yes of course there are measures here that will hit people," he said

A group of independents including former Labour TDs Patrick Nulty and Tommy Broughan also laid out a budget - one totally of taxes and no spending cuts>

Deputy Nulty says that;s the only fair way.

"We have a menu of measures which focus on taxing the rich and the wealthy which will bring in conservatively €2bn a year."

Both of these alternatives are likely tol be very different to what Ministers Noonan and Howlin announce next week.