Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Obviously, it is not intended that a special budget will be required during the course of this particular year, but discussions are taking place at present to see how we may build consensus on the arrangements to be made in 2009 and the years following. We are indicating, first of all, that the immediate requirement relates to the €2 billion saving that has to be obtained, and discussions are ongoing in that regard. When the Government makes its full decision, it will come before the House, with its full complement of measures.

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