Government spending estimates for 2000 were finalised by the Cabinet yesterday and will be published in a fortnight.
The publication of the estimates will be followed by the publication of the National Development Plan, detailing up to £40 billion in spending on economic and social infrastructure for the 2000-2007 period.
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste yesterday held talks on the review of the Programme for Government, which is expected to be published early next week.