Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Yes, I did use the word. The manner in which Deputy Burton presented her question would deserve the sobriquet. The matter I was addressing was the increase in oil prices, which is a very serious matter with very serious impacts for the people to whom Deputy Burton referred — I agree with her on that. I was addressing the fact that we have very difficult choices to address in that context. We do not set the price of oil for ourselves, it is set for us by those with whom we deal. Given the character of the increases we have seen worldwide, it will impose on us certain disciplines. We have a choice, we can, as I said, complain about it or we can decide to take the actions that will address the problems it poses for us.

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