Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am glad to clarify that I never made those comments. The Deputy has referred to an inaccurate interpretation of what I said, which related to questions I was asked prior to the lunch referred to by the Deputy. I stated the blindingly obvious. I was asked who pays for it; the taxpayer pays. I was asked what impact this would have on future spending; I replied that the amount to pay for this could have been used in other areas. That was interpreted subsequently as a statement about specific cuts, which were never mentioned. I made four attempts to have it corrected and it was finally reasonably well corrected by the following day. People have the tapes. It was an incorrect interpretation. I was asked a question and I stated the blindingly obvious. I never mentioned a figure on this matter because I do not know what the figure is nor does the Department. That will not be known until one tries to quantify what is involved. People can make guesstimates but I have no intention of doing so.

In addition, a number of families may not claim refunds because they were happy with the service provided and do not have a problem.

See this speech in context