Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

For that reason, I have extended an invitation to the Opposition.

The Commission assessment that has been produced, which concluded that we are in excessive deficit, is reasonable, fair and balanced. The first step of the framework was delivered on 3 February with the announcement of a series of measures to secure further savings of up to €2 billion on a full year basis. This also will be implemented and that money also will be saved. The Government greatly regrets it was unable to achieve the agreement of either the social partners or the Opposition parties to the pension levy but it must take the decisions it considers necessary in the best interest of us all.

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