The Tánaiste says the Opposition’s failed to offer alternative options to the Government for next month’s budget.

TD’s last night concluded a pre-budget debate with warnings from the Government side that social welfare cuts simply had to be made.

Fine Gael did suggest tax cuts for businessess to create and protect jobs, but Labour says it’s not showing its cards 21 days before the budget.

Closing the debate, Tánaiste Mary Coughlan suggested it was time for the Opposition to get real on what needs to be done.