The Cabinet has discussed tomorrow's Budget, which is widely expected to be one of the toughest since the foundation of the state.
The measures aim to make savings of around €4 billion. It is anticipated that there will be cuts to social welfare payments, including child benefit, and reductions in public sector pay.
The Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan said this evening that tough action was required to restore confidence and give people hope.
It is also now expected that there will be significant reductions to excise duty on alcohol in the Budget.
