Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the requirement to reduce the payroll bill by 3% by the end of 2009, we are looking at appropriate measures identified by local management in the light of local circumstances across Departments, State agencies and local authorities. The measures to be taken will include the control of premium pay, the management of vacancies, the organisation of work processes and the levels at which work is carried out, as well as the control of numbers through recruitment and other measures.

The contribution from the health and education sectors should be an agreed process with the Department of Finance, being mindful of the need to protect front line staff to the greatest possible extent, including teachers, special needs assistants, nurses and so on.

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