Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

Are the line Ministers taking into account the McCarthy report in terms of their budget savings and have they reported back to the Minister for Finance on that matter?

Could the Minister indicate how many public servants have taken up the various schemes to which he referred - the career break option, the shorter working week and the early retirement scheme? What staff reduction costs does he envisage in the forthcoming budget? For the 2010 budget, the McCarthy report made recommendations of reductions of €5 billion? How much of the McCarthy report recommendations in terms of value does the Minister expect will form part of budget cost savings in 2010 budget?

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