Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

It is a matter for the private market that exists. One can go to a different doctor if necessary. It is essential that we tackle costs throughout our economy. It is the one clear economic message in this announcement. We must reduce our costs. It is not just a matter for the public sector. If necessary legislation is needed to restore competitiveness to sheltered private sectors, the necessary action must be taken as a follow-on from this announcement.

On the issue of Oireachtas committees and Ministers of State, I welcome the tone of what was said by Deputy Burton. I think she appreciates that the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission is now charged on the Central Fund. It is like the establishment of the President. It is independent of the Department of Finance. The arrangement was put in place precisely because it was alleged that the Department of Finance, as an arm of the Executive, was constantly interfering in the autonomy and independence the Oireachtas should have. I invite Opposition parties to work with the parties in Government, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, to secure the necessary savings which should be secured in the expense of the Oireachtas.

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