The Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin says his Cabinet colleagues who preach fiscal rectitude need to realise there is not an endless amount of money for spending.
Ministers have included requests for more gardaí, Defence Forces and teachers ahead of Budget 2016.
Details have emerged of some of the demands government departments are setting out ahead of the announcement next month of around €1.5bn in increased spending and tax cuts.
It emerged recently that the Health Service Executive (HSE) wants nearly €2bn more to spend next year, although it is unlikely that will be granted in full.
According to the Irish Times today, the Department of Education wants the money to recruit 900 new teachers, to cope with 'demographic pressures'.
The submission from the Department of Justice includes a request to fund around 500 garda trainees and resources to deal with deficiencies in areas like garda vehicles.
They are all up for consideration by the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure, who are still awaiting bids for funding from the Departments of Children and Social Protection.
On his way into the Cabinet meeting this morning, Mr Howlin says his colleagues need to remember there is a limit on the money available.
