Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has criticised those who are leaking information about proposed Budget cuts, despite a recent instruction not to do so.

Mr Quinn said it did not help matters to have people thinking aloud.

He said “ordinary people” took leaks as a decision and became unnecessarily concerned about things that may or may not happen.

He refused to comment on whether funding to private schools would be cut and that every idea had to be looked at given the current financial situation.

But he said any remarks he had to make on the matter would be done in the Cabinet room.

Mr Quinn also said he believes Simon Coveney is doing “a very good job” as Agriculture Minister.

He said he had heard the concerns of farmers but that he was confident that Mr Coveney would act to protect the best interests of Ireland.

He said he was impressed with how Mr Coveney was handling matters.