The plan "seeks to bamboozle with the budget to disguise the paucity of both commitments and detail," said the Social Democrats' spokesman on public expenditure, Cian O'Callaghan.
"Public expenditure has risen on average, 8pc to 9pc over the last number of years. Such high levels of expenditure are not sustainable on the current basis."
Mr O'Callaghan claimed the Government was boosting the pay of semi-state chiefs without any reference to economic headwinds or global volatility regarding their gold plated salaries.
Mairead Farrell will take over as chairperson of the Finance Committee, a critical role previously held by Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness, emphasizing her influence in scrutinizing public expenditure.