Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. The detailed discussions on the budget have not yet commenced. The Department and I are involved in intense training for the anticipated detailed discussions. The Department has a really important role to play in helping the country to get back on its feet. That is why we have a three point mission, namely, to pay people their entitlements, to help people to get back to work through education and training and to limit and reduce fraud and abuse in the system. If we can get these three points working effectively, that will send a very positive message to the people who pay tax and PRSI and who are happy to support a good welfare structure and state. I am convinced that there is a lot of public support for this, if it is efficient, targeted and helps people to get back to work.