Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

On the specific question, I cannot give any assurances on any of the programmes ahead of the budget.

On discussions, the Cabinet and not the Department of Finance will decide the allocations to Ministers. We will have detailed collective discussions in terms of arriving at a budget that is acceptable and ensures savings. I again thank the Deputy for his support for this scheme. When making choices, we will note that this scheme is one the Deputy values highly.

See this speech in context