Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The Department was willing to make an assessment, very different from the figures being suggested now. If the momentum which ought to be behind this issue existed on the Minister's side of the House, it would be developed to a degree where we would have very accurate Estimates and we would know exactly what is involved.

I am disappointed that there appears to be a slackening of momentum in this area. The action took place on a very small part of the agenda of reform. Come what may, this process must accelerate very dramatically once the Green Paper is out, as we really need to get to grips with the matter.

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