Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said it would have been too risky to increase spending in the budget beyond €4.7bn.
That's despite the Department of Finance saying the economy is recovering faster than expended, partly fueled by the spending of built up savings.
***
The Housing Minister has said he doesn't accept there's nothing in the budget for renters.
Darragh O'Brien said there's a significant investment being made in cost rental accommodation over the next few years.
***
A man and a woman are in Garda custody after a toddler was taken from a health centre in Co. Mayo.
Aoife Haynes Murphy was located safe and well in Dublin last night, after Gardai issued a Child Rescue Ireland Alert.
****
The Road Safety Authority is urging motorists in Cork to drive with extreme caution as a status yellow fog alert is in place for Munster.
Met Eireann's warning of dense fog with poor visibility until 11 this morning.