Health sector representatives say the latest budget won't address the shortcomings of the system.
The Irish Medical Organisation says the €13.2 billion funding announced yesterday, is in reality a cut when the current €500 million health service overrun is considered.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is echoing that sentiment.
TDs will have further opportunities to discuss the budget when debate resumes in the Dáil later.
The Finance Minister's facing questions about what exactly the new 'knowledge development box' will consist of.
It's the latest plan to attract foreign investment, and coincides with a move to abolish the so-called double Irish scheme allowed multinational companies to cut their tax bills.
Here, the retention of the 9% tourism VAT rate has been hailed by hoteliers, local restaurants and one government representative.
Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says it will enable the industry to plan for next year in the knowledge that Clare will be able to offer lower-cost tourism options to visitors and locals alike.
However, hauliers have expressed deep disappointment and say their campaign to reform motor tax was "totally ignored."
Bunratty President of the Irish Road Haulage Association Eoin Gavin says Irish vehicles will now register in other cheaper countries, threatening jobs in the sector.
