Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

First, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for indicating some measure of support for some of the initiatives the Government is taking in light of the changed economic circumstances in which we find ourselves. The Government certainly does not have ill-thought out policies. We are trying to ensure that we can work together within the social partnership process to meet the challenge we face. The Minister for Finance has outlined in broad terms the areas where his Department is satisfied that savings of up to €440 million can be achieved in the context of trying to work within agreed spending limits for 2008, with longer-term effects in 2009 of over €1 billion. This is the initial response by the Government to the Exchequer mid-year returns, which were published last week. I said in the House then that the appropriate way to proceed was for the Government to take decisions at Cabinet this morning on foot of what emerged and to have a full debate this week in the House on all the economic issues. Ministers will come into the House and deal with the matters as they affect their own particular Departments.

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