Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach stated the Government's projected growth figures are broadly in line with those of the Commission, but he did not deal with the projections for the deficit. His projection for 2010 is 4.7% while the Commission's is 7.2%, which amounts to a difference of €5 billion. Will he outline the policy changes, about which he spoke, that will bring Ireland's economy into line with where it should be? If the Taoiseach stands over his figures for his budget of three weeks ago, why is the Minister for Finance running around solo saying we must have more cutbacks? He is quoted again today as saying we face further cutbacks. Obviously, he knows the Exchequer figures that will be published in ten minutes. The Taoiseach accepts that the figures given in his budget are right in respect of the deficit for 2010, but the economic directorate says there is a difference of €5 billion and the Minister for Finance says we will have further cutbacks. Is this evidence of a major split between the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance? The Minister says we will have further cutbacks and the Taoiseach says this is not the case. Otherwise, the figures given in the budget three weeks ago are completely at variance with what the Commission directorate states. If that is the case, the Government is making it up as it goes along. We have no road map, no plan and no strategy to restore the economy to good health.

The Commission report singled out Ireland and said it was a particularly sharp issue for this country where the Government balance is projected to reach a deficit of 5.5% in 2008 and almost 7% in 2009. If that is the case, can I take it from the Taoiseach that we are to have another budget in the spring? Are we faced with a number of policy options that will require supplementary budgets or another budget before the scheduled one of 2009? This is important in the context of the creation and protection of jobs and for the management of our economy.

Will we have another budget in 2009? Is there a difference of opinion between the Taoiseach and his Minister for Finance? Why is the Minister talking about further cutbacks if the Taoiseach stands over the figures announced three weeks ago?

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