Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In regard to Deputy Bruton's point, obviously I plan my budget on the basis of remaining compliant with the terms of the stability pact. The issue raised is a normal budget day matter. I included a contingency provision of 0.4% of GDP in 2009 and 0.8% of GDP in 2010. The inclusion of a contingency is a prudent way of conducting the public finances. As specified in the budget documentation, a contingency provision is made against factors outside the control of Government which may impact on the budget but which cannot be foreseen at this stage. Examples are variability and tax buoyancy and exceptional costs arising in areas of public expenditure. As such variations could be both positive and negative, it is considered appropriate to allow in the projections for a negative net impact on the Government balance and the Exchequer balance.

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