Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted the Deputy is concerned about my blood pressure and I can advise it is absolutely perfect. I had a huge opportunity in UCC to take the opportunity of convincing some young people that it is appropriate for them and their future that they vote "Yes". I even spoke to the Deputy's own people, Deputy Gilmore's people and I tried to convince Sinn Féin but that did not work. Perhaps it might in due course.

On the issue raised I reiterate exactly what is happening with regard to the preparation for the budget. The McCarthy report is providing options. If there are alternatives to those options they will be considered. All of this will be considered by the Government but the bottom line is €4 billion of reductions in expenditure will have to be found.

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