A big chunk of money will be taken out of social welfare. In general terms with regard to tax and social welfare, the tax corrections are front-loaded, with 65% of the income tax adjustments being taken next Tuesday week in the budget. However, the social welfare adjustments, which are more politically sensitive, are back-loaded. This is interesting in terms of getting the budget through the Dáil. We all know that on budget night there will be a series of financial resolutions but they concern tax increases. I have yet to hear a Deputy who supports the Government say he or she will vote against the Government on the basis of a tax increase. Fianna Fáil was always happy to raise taxes and it does not regard it as a no-go area. I presume that by doing it this way, budget night is looking increasingly safe.

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