Government ministers have been told at this week's cabinet meeting to be realistic about the amount of extra money available to them in next months budget.
Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin made it clear the amount of money available cannot be increased.
Finance Minister Michael Noonan also reiterated that he has limited flexibility when it comes to cutting taxes.
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste told ministers that the maximum extra money available is €1.5 billion euro and that they weren't just saying that for the sake of it.
The message to the rest of the cabinet was to not delude themselves about what they might get.
Meanwhile the five-year capital plan is all but ready. A special cabinet meeting is likely to take place to approve the planned investment in infrastructure in projects in transport, health, education and other areas.
