The Taoiseach has insisted that the use of money from the Social Insurance Fund and the Central Bank reserves was legal, legitimate and proper. Bertie Ahern said that the Budget would generate economic growth through sound policies rather than borrowing.
Speaking earlier, the Tánaiste said that the Budget was prudent, fair and equitable. Mary Harney said that the tax system had been transformed over the past four years, and that the Government's fifth budget once again delivered to workers.


















