Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The budgetary stance I took, taking into account all of the downside risks, was to provide an impetus into the economy of approximately 1.5% of GNP. I have increased the capital programme by 12% but the Deputy obviously believes that is too much. I await the list of the Deputy's proposals for cutting it and day to day spending. Otherwise, she does not have credibility.

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