Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

There are two matters on which I want clarification. First, in respect of the adjustment in the public finances, the figure of €4 billion has been the accepted wisdom so far. I understand it was the figure sent by the Government to the European Commission and it was also the figure referred to by the Minister for Finance in the supplementary budget last April. Is that still the Government's target or is there a different figure? The Government has stated publicly that its objective is to achieve a €4 billion adjustment. Does the broad configuration of that €4 billion, which the Minister for Finance mentioned in the supplementary budget last April, still apply?

The second issue on which I want clarification is public sector pay. Regarding the Taoiseach's meetings with the social partners, is it his intention to try to secure agreement with the social partners on how the public sector pay bill might be reduced?

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