Government to announce further huge cuts this week

According to media reports, the Government is finalising swingeing cuts to benefits to be unveiled this week.

At the same time, the finishing touches are being put to the state bail-out of the banks and developers through the creation of NAMA at massive public expense.

The Government is lining up around €5 billion in cuts in plans to be announced this week.

Social Welfare is set to be cut by €1.5 billion.

Child Benefit will also be targeted, possibly by either being taxed or means-tested.

Rent allowance, which amounts to €530m per annum, is also planned to slashed, on top of cuts already announced.

This is yet another example of Fianna Fail and the Greens targeting children, the unemployed and the working class while throwing billions at Ireland's rich.

When these cuts are announced we need to see massive protests on the streets. The trade unions have a special responsibility to ensure that a huge movement of opposition to this reverse Robin Hood attack is built and has its complete support.