The Government is considering pay cuts of 5 per cent in public sector pay, according to a report broadcast this evening.
According to TV3 News, which claims to have been given some details of the Government’s Budget plan, child benefit will be cut by 10 per cent but will be neither taxed nor means tested.
A support package will be available for welfare recipients.
All other benefits – with the exception of the pension – will be cut by around 5 per cent, the report suggests.
Unemployment benefits for under 23s will be cut by 20 per cent will a prescription charge of 50 cent will be imposed.
The report also suggests that accident and emergency charges will increase, as will the threshold for drugs payments.