Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The programme for Government was predicated on delivering growth rates of 4.5%, which are not in prospect for the immediate period ahead. Therefore, the important paragraph in any programme for Government must be invoked. This is that the primary consideration must be to deal with the budgetary situation and, in that context, priorities must be identified. That would be the case for anyone in Government at the present time. Priorities will be identified as we proceed during the course of this Administration out of the programme for government for implementation. One cannot implement a programme based on 4.5% growth annually if such growth does not materialise. The Deputy's specific questions on IT for schools should be tabled to the Minister for Education and Science.

The Progressive Democrats signed up to the programme for Government as published, therefore there is no separate arrangement for that party. I recently answered a question from Deputy Gilmore on co-location pointing out the state of play in respect of various projects under that initiative.

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