Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The fact, as the Deputy knows, although he is trying to stop me from saying it, is that the nominal growth rate assumptions in both sets of proposals were similar. My economic growth rate was slightly higher and my inflation rate was slightly lower, while the Deputy's proposals were based on a slightly lower nominal growth rate and higher inflation rate. It worked out at approximately 7.5%. They are the facts, so all of us are in that position in terms of how we would proceed with the implementation of our plans. We have always made it clear, and it is a requirement on us as members of the eurozone, that we would have a responsible fiscal policy. On that basis we will implement all of our commitments, not simply the tax commitments. All commitments are required to work in that context.

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