Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is fairly stark, when Mr. Noonan puts it in those terms. Given the volume of State spend and given that one has the latitude under the EU directives, which tie all of this together, to take account of the best overall economic value, it is an inexcusable fault at this stage. It is not as if the system does not know about this. They are well aware of it.

I wanted to get back to the issue of data and measurement and analysis. It is claimed the quantum of savings is €63.5 million. As against that, I do not believe that takes into account any offsetting consequences. I refer to the point Ms Callan made earlier in terms of job losses and their cost and burden on the Exchequer.