Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is important to point out that we look to all sections of the community to make a contribution, but we also have to do so in a way that respects and is consistent with the constitutional independence of the Judiciary. I hope and believe that will all be demonstrated in due course to be the case. I do not wish to enter into a controversy with any particular section of the community. My job as Taoiseach is to outline in full the present position, which requires everybody, according to their means and abilities, to make a contribution to the situation. The Government is not in a position to say that one third, two thirds or three quarters of public expenditure cannot be considered in the context of finding the necessary moneys to effect the adjustment that is necessary. It would be too great a burden on the provision of services to do that. That is my honest assessment of the position. Further efficiencies and effectiveness can be obtained through a variety of measures, including redeployment, controlling numbers and having more flexibilities in the system. There are many mechanisms which can be considered that would assist in arriving at a contribution that would come from the public sector pay and pension bill. The Government has to reserve its position to make sure that the ultimate contribution it gets is fair and equitable in all the circumstances given the other areas of expenditure we have to consider.

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