Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister not agree that it is a parlous situation when 40% of our borrowing this year is going on day-to-day public spending? If the European Union's projection is correct, and the Minister does not make €5 billion in savings next year, which he has not specified, we will be spending 60% of our borrowing just to keep day-to-day services going. Are we not on a highly dangerous trajectory, and do we not need to address as a matter of urgency how we run the shop more effectively to ensure we do not waste money in administration and we protect front line services? Where is the thrust for that in the budget? What decisions were made in the budget that will deliver that? I do not see them.

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