Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I know this issue is a matter of some frustration to the Deputy, who raises it every week. However, these are confidential political agreements that are in place. As I noted, they exist within the context of the programme for Government, which in turn is in the context of the availability of resources. All these issues must be dealt with on the basis of established priorities and the manner in which one can accommodate issues as they arise. This requires continuing liaison with those Deputies who support the Government. The assistant principal officer, who is attached to the Chief Whip's office, obviously is available to the Chief Whip in respect of duties there as well. It is a question of having in place a system in which people who support the Government have an opportunity to interface with Departments and to convey their views on various matters and this is part of the job of managing the Government.

Moreover, all the commitments made in the programme for Government are predicated on the availability of resources and the need to accommodate priorities as we go along. As Deputy Kenny observed, I have stated that it was predicated on growth rates of 4.5% and that progress is being made in many areas of the programme. In any event, all commitments within the programme are predicated on that financial provision which is the centre piece of any programme for Government, namely, on the availability of resources and the maintenance of strong public finances.

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