Economic collapse leads to €19bn hike in Government spending

Mr McGrath will tell TDs that the overall budget strategy will focus on prioritising crisis management measures to address the challenges posed by Covid-19 and Brexit. Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins

The economic collapse caused by Covid-19 will see government spending running at €19 billion higher than was forecast on Budget day last year, TDs will hear tomorrow.

Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath will tell the Budget Oversight Committee that €9 billion in additional social welfare funding has been extended to fund the Pandemic Unemployment Payments (PUP) and the Wage Subsidy Scheme.