Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

As I indicated in reply to Deputy Bruton, the final figures on the particular heads and monthly breakdown will be given later this month. With regard to the question of shopping in Northern Ireland, I never suggested it was unpatriotic to shop in Northern Ireland. However, I did suggest that it means a substantial loss to the taxpayer in this country and if people are concerned about reductions in services and other reductions which the Government must implement they should bear this in mind when they purchase goods and services in Northern Ireland. It is a free country and a free market within the European Union and I know Deputy Burton is well aware of this. The Government is examining methods of ensuring that the sterling differential, which should make products originating in the sterling zone cheaper in this jurisdiction, can be passed on to the consumer.

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