Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I ask Deputy Gilmore to be fair in respect of all the circumstances. We got Exchequer returns today for the end of February. We have indicated that we will meet and make political decisions based on what is emerging to ensure we come in with a 9.5% deficit to the end of the year. Whatever requirements are made arising out of those decisions will be taken in the House in due course. That is the decision the Government took today and when we take further decisions we will inform the House further.

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