Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We are still in a position where we have no recapitalisation of banks and there is tightening of credit to small businesses. The situation since July and September has deteriorated quite radically with 10,000 people a month losing their jobs, mostly in the private sector. Can I take it that it is the Taoiseach's intention to see that the pay deal goes ahead as agreed? It will cost €800 million next year and €1.2 billion the following year and the Taoiseach is of the opinion that the economy can afford this at a time when we are in serious difficulties on the other side.

It is now six years since I made the point while in Killarney that the benchmarking process was a brilliant opportunity to start real reform of the public service in terms of value for money. As a politician and as the leader of the country, is the Taoiseach happy that the taxpayers were given clear and distinct results and responses regarding efficiency and better levels of service as a result of the benchmarking moneys that were paid out? The Taoiseach said that the cost of benchmarking in his own Department was €26,000. What increased efficiency is available now from the Department of the Taoiseach as a result of the benchmarking awards?

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