The Dáil will debate the contents of Budget 2006 when it resumes session this morning.
In his speech to the Dáil yesterday, Minister for Finance Brian Cowen said he aimed to maintain economic growth while improving equality and opportunity for everybody in society.
Mr Cowen caused little surprise with his second Budget as he announced a major five-year childcare strategy, substantial social welfare increases and higher tax thresholds.
The expected five-year strategy for childcare guaranteed an annual €1,000 childcare supplement for each child under six.
Opposition parties immediately claimed the Budget was the first signal that the Government was trying to buy the next general election with the electorate's own money.
Mr Cowen is to field questions from listeners on the Pat Kenny Showon RTÉ Radio this morning.
Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney will today outline the full details of a new €150 million annual package for older people.
- ireland.comwill host an online Budget Q&A this morning between 10am and midday. Irish TimesEconomics Editor Marc Coleman will be joined by Sarah Connellan, tax manager at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, to answer your Budget queries.