Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I must check on where the Deputy is coming from with that figure. I will try to get that information for him. This is where it is coming from at present.

I will answer the question in a manner that may be helpful to Deputy Bruton. Last year, the figure of €45 billion that was mentioned in a parliamentary question only covered serving staff, while the figure of €75 billion covers both serving staff and pensioners. The difference between the figures of €45 billion and €75 billion does not, therefore, arise from a recalculation of the amount. There is no implication that there should be a calculation of the social welfare pension liability. It merely is a more comprehensive figure.

See this speech in context