Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As regards Deputy Gilmore's questions, first, the review of the programme for Government will be formally undertaken when the Dáil rises. It will be based on prior consultation that has taken place within the parties themselves to progress the review of the programme over the course of the autumn. When the Dáil resumes for the next session, as envisaged in late September or early October, I am hopeful that we will have a reviewed programme in place.

Second, the committee to look into spending programmes and public service numbers is reviewing all spending programmes. It is examining every area of expenditure and Government activity. It will be reporting to us and making recommendations. Ultimately, what recommendations are accepted and how we proceed will be a matter for decision by Cabinet.

Third, as regards the review of the programme, the discussions will take place between ourselves and the Green Party, and the Cabinet will be involved. I will keep those who support the Government briefed on the outcome of those discussions. In addition, I will ensure that we maintain the support of those Deputies who are supporting the Government on the basis of our commitment to bringing growth and restoring order to our public finances.

Fourth, all areas of policy will be reviewed in the programme. All social policy objectives are predicated on financial resources. With regard to changes in the supplementary budget figures, the capital spend between 2009 and 2013, for example, envisages over €31 billion in expenditure. That is a modification of the original spend envisaged in the national development plan, which was predicated on 4.5% growth. These adjustments in policy objectives and priorities are already part of the ongoing Estimates and budgetary process. The review of the programme, however, will take into account what our economic strategy will be, in light of the current economic circumstances which are quite different from those that pertained in June 2007 when the programme was first negotiated. The assumptions therein were similar to those by all parties in respect of the manifesto commitments they made when going before the people in 2007.

See this speech in context