Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together.

The Programme for Government 2007-2012 is, as its title suggests, a programme of priorities to be delivered over a five-year period. Progress in delivering the programme is kept under review. The Department of the Taoiseach website published, on 24 September 2008 last, statements regarding the progress made by Departments in implementing each of the commitments in the programme for Government.

The programme for Government is predicated on balanced public finances and, clearly, the crisis with which we are now contending means this is a major challenge and would be a top priority for any Government. As stated on a number of occasions, the period following the upcoming elections will afford the Government partners the opportunity to look at how we are progressing in achieving our goals set out in the programme.

The programme for Government makes clear that its delivery is based on a growth rate of 4.5%. It was negotiated prior to the worst global downturn since the 1930s. Our review involves ensuring the programme for Government reflects current economic realities. There is also a precedent for such a review. A mid-term review of the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrat programme for Government was undertaken. The review is consistent with our approach to take on board proposals seen to be in Ireland's best interests. We do not have a monopoly on ideas and we are willing to remain flexible in the face of this global recession.

In addition to evaluating the existing programme, a review will also allow us to see where the various policies we have developed over the past two years can be better integrated into our plans for developing Ireland up to 2012. I refer in particular to the ambitious smart economy document we published before Christmas. The review will also underline the considerable amount of the programme for Government which has already been achieved. To date, organisations such as the European Commission and the ESRI have broadly recognised that the policies we are pursuing are the right ones to get Ireland working again.

The Opposition wishes to suggest a divergence of views between Fianna Fáil and its partners. I am sorry to disappoint them but the parties in Government are working well together. We remain resolute in returning Ireland to economic growth and, more importantly, to job creation.

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