Tánaiste 'not aware' of plans to accelerate budget bills in advance of calling general election

Micheál Martin was speaking after the Irish Examiner revealed Government ministers were asked to submit supplementary estimates for the year ahead, a move which usually happens in November

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was not aware of any plans to accelerate the passing of the Finance and Social Welfare bills.

The Tánaiste says he was not informed about the accelerating of supplementary estimates, a move which has put ministers on alert an election is coming.

Some departments were asked on Wednesday to tell the Department of Public Expenditure how much extra money they will need this year, a process which is not usually undertaken until November.