Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to share time with Deputies Thomas Byrne, Cyprian Brady and O'Rourke.

First, I am pleased to intervene in this debate because the decision taken in this matter was a decision of the Government. To put this matter in context, one should consider what has happened in recent years in the Estimates, in which provision has been made for a 70% Christmas bonus. While it is true that in most recent years, a 100% payment was made, the additional 30% required to so do usually was not agreed by the Government until near the end of the financial year. The saving of €156 million to be made this year that was announced in the recent budget was accounted for by not providing for the 70% bonus. Were the full bonus to be paid, it would cost approximately €223 million.

I have listened with great care to this debate and I have not heard a single Deputy propose how this €223 million would be found in the current financial year. It can only be found in one of three ways, namely, by a reduction of €223 million in some other head or subhead of expenditure, the imposition of an additional €223 million in taxation or, and I assume this is the position of the Opposition in default, by borrowing to pay the aforementioned amount. These are the economic realities at present and it is important that all Members reflect on them.

See this speech in context