Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

It is important to highlight the January 2010 Exchequer returns which indicate a deficit in receipts. However, it is important to note that the €3.1 billion in tax collected and the €4.1 billion reduction in expenditure are in line with the Department of Finance forecasts with an expectation of a return to economic growth in the second half of 2010. We should congratulate those involved in the forecasts given what is reflected in the figures for January 2010. I look forward to the expected return to growth in the latter part of the year.

I refer to the coverage of CAO applications, which is creating concern for both parents and students. I happen to be in that position myself. It is slightly unfair on students who are attempting to put their efforts and energies into examinations in the expectation that they will be accommodated only to find there is a myth to the effect that there may not be enough places. Although the eventual number of applicants will be fewer than the eventual number of applications-----