Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes was established to examine the current expenditure programmes in each Department and to make recommendations for reducing public service numbers so as to facilitate the Government's task of returning the public finances to a sustainable position.

The special group began its work in December. Each Department was asked to prepare an evaluation paper for the special group setting out an analysis of expenditure programmes and identifying possible savings options. The relevant areas in the sectoral policy division of the Department of Finance are also preparing material for the group's consideration.

To date, the special group has met with eleven of the 15 Departments scheduled for review. The group is considering the outcome of each of these meetings and following its meetings with the remaining Departments and other entities, will finalise its work when all relevant savings options have been explored.

The special group's analysis and recommendations will be taken into account as appropriate by the Government in framing budgetary policy.

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