Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is not about recognising those outside the Lansdowne Road agreement but those inside it. The only protagonists I have had in the outcome reached earlier today are those representing those inside the Lansdowne Road agreement. I do not believe one could justify this as rewarding militancy - the Deputy's phrase, not mine - when this agreement only benefits those inside the Lansdowne Road agreement.

On the inevitability of cuts, I have described the way in which I have looked to handle the matter. I have dealt with questions from all the Deputy's colleagues on this. I have spoken about the role of efficiencies. I have outlined that, if it looks at any point that it would pose challenges in the delivery of key services, this is a matter the Government will review across the year. As I have said on several occasions, while Deputies are asking me many questions about the decision I made today, I am certain that if I had not made this decision, I would have far bigger challenges and questions later on this year. That is why I made the intervention that I have.