Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 18, inclusive, together.

Much progress has already been achieved in fulfilling the commitments in the programme for Government. Clearly, the Government must make decisions in light of the fiscal position which will be indicated on publication of the half-yearly Exchequer returns.

We will give priority to those programme commitments which are most valuable from a social and economic perspective and can be realistically achieved in view of the current budgetary position. I intend to publish a progress report on the implementation of the programme for Government by the end of the summer.

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