Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy wants the answer to the question and he is getting it. The HSE hopes to be able to finalise the position regarding the commencement of the developments, including those required to meet the needs of school-leavers with disabilities, over the next ten days. We are trying to ensure that those people are not the sufferers. I stand over the record of the Department of Health and Children, the Government and my personal record in this area and compare them favourably to any record of Deputy Gilmore's or any Government he has ever had the pleasure of being involved in.

The financial review which took place was in an effort to ensure that we provide services. When Deputy Gilmore asks if it is all double-speak and political-speak, there is €3 billion less in tax revenues this year than was hoped for. We have to deal with that situation.

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