The Budget watchdog says there is a 50/50 chance of the Government missing its deficit target - and more austerity may be needed.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council says the Government ignored its advice to make 3.1 billion euro in adjustments in Budget 2014 - and that means we run a significant risk of breaching our 3 per cent deficit ceiling.
It also says it advised the Government to take a precautionary credit line when leaving the bailout - and that failing to do so may not have been in our best economic interests.
Chairman of group, Professor John McHale, says that decision - and weaker than expected Budget cuts - means we could face more austerity next year:
