Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I stated in my reply, these reports are being considered in the context of the Estimates process and political decisions. We have indicated the savings we are seeking, namely, an adjustment of €4 billion for next year. The McCarthy report recommends a higher figure. It is not a question of making all the cuts in 2010 but a matter of political consideration as to which savings or recommendations will be agreed upon as relevant in this instance.

In the context of the adjustment that is to be made, my Department will make the necessary contribution in line with the ongoing political deliberations and considerations. I have indicated some of the areas under review and where we are doing things differently already. I do not wish to elaborate on that as it is a matter for the Government to sign off on these issues when discussions are complete. We will seek to make decisions in a way that meets the Government's objective of having every Department contribute towards the adjustment according to its means based on the size of its budget, and also in a way that will seek to minimise the impact on public services.

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