Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I cannot anticipate the Government's decision as regards whatever adjustments have to be made, but I take it we will make whatever decisions are necessary, to ensure that, based on the emerging figures, we obtain a deficit at the end of the year of about 9.5%, as we outlined originally to the Commission. It is important that this be done. I cannot anticipate the decision, but in my view it will require a combination of revenue raising and expenditure adjustments. We received the figures today and must consider the consequences of various initiatives and options.

On the other matter the Deputy raised, the Minister, Deputy Gormley, outlined his party's position. The question of preparation of text lies, in the first instance, with the Attorney General and it will then go to the legal services division. The issue in regard to the text we will be requiring in this area has not yet gone to——

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