Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Does the Tánaiste accept there has been a serious structural deterioration in the public finances, which has nothing to do with the cycle set out in the programmes he presents to the EU? Does he accept the Department's forecast that tax revenue in 2010 will be at least €6.3 billion short of the figure used as the basis in the programme for Government? Even that is optimistic as it does not take into account the deterioration this year. Against that background how does he intend to prioritise the savings he claims now need to be made in the NDP and elsewhere? Will it mean more closed respite beds? We have seen the hospital in the home service cut off. Alternatively will there be some sensible assessment of what is realistic to achieve with the resources we will have and have a proper structure for planning spending?

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