The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has said government spending this year will be in the region of €86 billion, some €16 billion more than was planned in last year's Budget.
Michael McGrath said the current estimates process in the run up to the Budget is a "complex one". He also said it was far from clear how much of that additional €16 billion will be needed again next year.
The Minister was speaking at the annual Dublin Economic Workshop, which is being held online this year. Mr McGrath said a priority will be in ensuring the health service has all the resources it needs and that his department is close to finalising with the HSE "...the most comprehensive and costly winter plan in the history of the State." On Brexit,