Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 to 18, inclusive, together.

The revision of the programme for Government has been completed and it will serve us well in the years to come. The new programme sets out the development of the country over the remainder of the Government's term up to 2012 and is designed to act as a blueprint to meet the challenges we face. We have worked well together, as two parties in Government with others, providing good Government for the country during a period of unprecedented global economic turmoil.

The initial programme for Government agreed in the aftermath of the 2007 general election made clear that its delivery was based on an economic growth rate of 4.5%. It was negotiated prior to the worst global downturn since the 1930s. This review is about ensuring the programme for Government reflects current economic realities. Achievement of the goals set out in both documents, subject to resources, will continue to provide the political basis of Government action until we complete our term in 2012. As has been the practice in previous years, it is our intention to publish on the web in the next few weeks a progress report relating to the delivery of our initial programme for Government.

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