The Cabinet is to step up efforts to agree its four year economic plan, amid conflicting signals as to how big a cut will be necessary in December's Budget.
In the Dáil this morning, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Ireland's sovereign independence is at risk because of the economic situation.
Fine Gael's Michael Noonan, speaking on RTÉ radio, said the Department of Finance was looking at a figure of close to €7 billion. However a Department spokesman denied this, saying that a range of figures and options had been presented to the Opposition, and the Government will decide the final figure.
Work on that decision will continue at two special Cabinet meetings next week - one on the evening of Bank Holiday Monday, the other an all-day meeting on Tuesday.
The Dáil will debate the economy on Wednesday and Thursday.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said today that this was a defining moment for Ireland and for its political system, warning that our sovereign independence is at risk.
Labour and Sinn Féin criticised the fact the Dáil is not sitting on Tuesday - but Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said the Cabinet would be devoting the day to discussion of the Budget, and the Government's four year economic plan.
