Minister for Finance Michael Noonan had said the Government has a lot more resources at its disposal than it anticipated last budget day.

Speaking on his way into the final Cabinet meeting before he presents the budget, Mr Noonan said the Coalition was protecting the economy as well as growing it.

“Today’s budget will continue to make the economy grow. The primary purpose of today’s budget is to ensure that the economy continues to grow.

“Every measure that we’re announcing in the budget will be related to growing the economy and creating jobs.

“But of course the budget will also throw up additional resources for better services for people, tax relief for people, extra nurses and doctors in the hospitals.

“But taking it all and all we have a lot more resources than we anticipated at last budget day 12 months ago.

“We’re dividing it three ways. We’re using 750 approximately to reduce taxes, principally USC.

“We’re using 750 million or so to increase expenditure in areas that need increased expenditure like health and education and justice.

“And then we’re using a very big tranche of money to reduce the deficit fund.

“So the fact that we’re reducing the deficit and consequently the debt, that’s the protection for the economy.

“As well as growing the economy we’re protecting it by cutting the deficit and the debt.”