Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The people of Dún Laoghaire are forever in his debt. Deputy Gilmore will be aware that people and parties take various positions. However, what is important is that we reduce the costs of Government. The position I have taken is to ensure this happens not only in terms of payroll costs of Ministers and Ministers of State, who have taken a 10% wage cut and who are also affected by the imposition of the pension levy, but in terms of reductions in regard to the running costs of offices. This is an indication of the seriousness of intent. That people indicated their preparedness to step aside if asked to do so is an indication they are there for the right reasons.

As I stated, it is a matter for the Taoiseach of the day to decide how Government is organised. I believe we have a crisis on our hands and that we need to get on with the job of Government. The workload is increasing rather than decreasing. People are aware that in bad times rather than good times we need to get on with the job and reduce the costs of Government, which is what we are doing.

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