Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

It is really a matter for the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, but I believe it is based on the existing level of service under the new system. Subject to correction, I do not imagine that the figures, other than incremental figures for 2008, would be included. Benchmarking pay for the public service would not be associated with the existing level of service and I therefore presume the figures are not included. I cannot be positive about it. It will be budget time before we see what figure will be included but the Department of Finance will have to indicate a ballpark figure in the first week of December.

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