Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy will be aware that we did not make any proposals. We were asked questions about the various programmes. We gave an outline of those programmes and it is up to Mr. McCarthy to make up his mind and make his decision on what he feels might or might not be cut to ensure the levels of expenditure generally across Government are reduced. The Deputy will be aware that we are talking in terms of an adjustment in the coming budget of €4 billion in total between tax and revenues. I am sure some elements of that will fall on the Department of Transport but until the deliberative process is finished I am not at liberty to say anything further.

See this speech in context