The report of the body set up to identify savings in the public service will be published tomorrow.
Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan formally submitted the recommendations of 'An Bord Snip Nua' to Cabinet today and minsters had a brief discussion on its contents.
Minister Lenihan said the report will give an exact figure for the number of surplus staff in the public service.
He said the surplus numbers can be dealt with over time with minimal disruption to public services.
The Government is looking for savings of up to €5bn in next year's Budget and Mr Lenihan said the report will give them options in how to achieve such savings.
Recommendations could include the break up of Éamon Ó Cuív’s Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the redistribution of other ministerial responsibilities.
Minister Lenihan said the report has been circulated to all Government Departments and to the all-party Committee on Finance, which will give their recommendations.
The 'Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes' was led by UCD economist Colm McCarthy (right).
The decision to publish the report comes despite worries within the Government about its effect on public opinion and a special Green Party conference at the weekend.
