Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With regard to the first matter, I have outlined to Deputy Kenny that the total level of adjustment envisaged by the Minister for Finance in respect of next year, based on his public comments, is €4 billion. In his Budget Statement he gave indicative figures relating to expenditure and taxation as to how that adjustment will be made. He has indicated on many occasions since then that he believes the bulk of the €4 billion saving should be more on the expenditure side than on the taxation side. He will meet with Commissioner Almunia on Friday to update him on recent developments and obviously will work with him on the best way of achieving stability in the public finances. I note from some comments he has made that it is Deputy Kenny's view, although it is hard to maintain a coherent approach with what he has to say on these matters,-----

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