Can You Hit The Budget Target?
Government spending in last year's budget was €55 billion. This year, spending will fall by a further €2 billion. To hit the target for Budget 2014, spending must not exceed €53 billion.
We've picked out the "big 4" spending departments, and for your ease, have grouped everything else into "other". Use the sliders to increase, decrease or maintain spending, and see if you can reach the desired budget level.
Move the slider left or right to increase or decrease spending.
Click once to maintain spending.
This year we spent €20 billion on income supports (dole), employment supports, state pensions, allowances for illness, disability and carers, and children's allowance.
Move the slider left or right to increase or decrease spending.
Click once to maintain spending.
This year we spent €14 billion on health. One-third goes to hospitals, the rest covers medical cards, health services, drugs and long term residential care.
Move the slider left or right to increase or decrease spending.
Click once to maintain spending.
This year we spent €9 billion on education. First, second and third level education account for most of the spending here, with some going to skills and training.
Move the slider left or right to increase or decrease spending.
Click once to maintain spending.
This year we spent €3 billion on security. Around half of this goes on the Gardaí, a quarter to the Defence Forces, with the rest divided up amongst prisons, courts, immigration and law reform.
Move the slider left or right to increase or decrease spending.
Click once to maintain spending.
