Here is a rundown of Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan's day as the toughest Budget for 20 years is revealed.
7am:Mr Lenihan arrives at his office in the Department of Finance, Upper Merrion Street where he meets officials. The Budget 2009 book has been printed overnight in the Department's high-security Print Room.
8am:Briefs the Cabinet on the main measures in the Budget at a special breakfast meeting.
10am:Faces photographers for the first time that day at the Department of Finance.
10.30am:Meets with officials for further briefings on the Budget and on the wider international financial situation.
2.30pm:Another photocall outside Government Buildings. He is expected to break with tradition and will not be accompanied by his wife or children.
3pm: He puts the finishing touches to his speech.
3.45pm:Takes to his feet in the Dáil to begin his Budget address.
3.45pm:Copies of the Budget book are carried by officials from the Department of Finance's basement and distributed under strict embargo to the media and TDs.
5pm:Gets the expected standing ovation in the chamber from Government TDs.
Fine Gael TD Richard Bruton begins Opposition reaction followed by Labour and Sinn Féin.
6pm:After meeting with officials, Mr Lenihan is expected to take part in live TV and radio interviews.
7pm:Back in Government Buildings for an evening press conference.
8pm:Other TV interviews follow as he clarifies aspects of the Budget.
10pm:A long day begins to wind up as an exhausted Mr Lenihan returns to the Dáil to thank officials. Later he may join family and friends at a separate function.
It may be an early start the following morning again as he is due to attend a European Council meeting in Brussels.