Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The reduction in payroll is envisaged on the basis of taking 3% off the payroll costs. One achieves this by examining whether to recruit people as a result of vacancies arising, the position regarding overtime and a range of issues. Such flexibility must be given to management to achieve the payroll cut. I am simply saying the payroll cut applies to the full payroll costs of the Department, regardless of the status of those who work there.

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