The Government is to spend €90 million more in 2006 than forecast in the Budget, it emerged today.
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen revealed gross expenditure would be €50.6 billion, €5.7 billion more than 2005 and a year-on-year increase of 13 per cent.
Mr Cowen said the revised estimates would cover the cost of major economic and social investment schemes the Government has put in place.
"In particular it provides for the significant increases in social welfare rates and the new childcare package announced on Budget Day," he said.
The Minister said the extra €90 million would also help fund an ambitious programme of investment in infrastructure.
Since Budget day, significant changes have been made to funding for decentralisation - a decrease of €50 million to €105 million - while an extra €65 million has been made available for the dormant accounts fund and €25 million for education spending.