Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am beginning to wonder what the point of the budget is. In the case of pay, we are saying the figure does not really matter and that if we recruit more people than are budgeted for, we will be able to get that. As for capital, likewise, if we are able to spend more money, we will get that. It is a good position for a Minister to be in. I do not think many Ministers are in that position where they are able just to say that if they need something, they will get it.