05/03/2009

'Everybody' Will Contribute In New Budget

The Taoiseach has said "everybody" will have to make a contribution as April's emergency budget looms.

The Government is preparing its latest attempt to stabilise the public finances, and Brian Cowen has said the magnitude of the problem is such that "a contribution will be sought from everybody".

Mr Cowen accepted the need for an emergency budget earlier this week after his Government had repeatedly ruled out such a move.

The money saving budget will come on top of the €2 billion pension levy announced last month and the €2 billion package of savings and tax measures contained in the 2009 budget announced last October.

The budget is likely to include sweeping spending cuts and increases in income taxes.

Speaking a business function in Dublin today, Mr Cowen said the Government would ensure that people would be taxed according to their ability to pay.

Fine Gael, the Labour Party and Sinn Féin have indicated that they intend to take up the offer to make budget submissions, which will be costed by Finance officials.

(DW/BMcC)

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