Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her presentation and do not envy her the task she faces in the coming months with regard to the huge amount to be taken from the social protection spend. I echo Senator Marie Moloney's comments on the JobsPlus initiative. It is a progressive scheme which will benefit both employers and prospective employees. It is a step in the right direction.

With regard to the €440 million reduction, is it possible to make the reduction without impacting on headline rates? Is it realistic to believe it can be achieved without making disproportionately deeper cuts in other areas? In the long term, is it sustainable for the State to allocate such a proportion of national expenditure to the Department of Social Protection? Does the Minister have concerns about this in the long term?