Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister, Deputy Harney, clarify if it is the Government's policy, as enunciated by the Minister for Finance yesterday, that the social welfare budget must be cut to stay in line with various provisions announced in the Budget Statement on April 7? Will the Minister for Social and Family Affairs be bringing forward proposals for another budget in three weeks to implement the measures outlined by the Minister to reduce the social welfare budget? Perhaps she will restore the Christmas bonus that was cut in the last budget so she can be in line with some Government backbenchers who are telling their constituents that it will be restored.

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