Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In attempting to close the gap, it is necessary to consider all areas of expenditure. The size of the problem is such that the idea that we can exclude 35% of the current spend from consideration is unacceptable. There are those who say that the social welfare budget should not be touched, while another constituency is stating that the €19 billion in public service pay and pensions should be immune from consideration. In such circumstances, we must consider the remaining €15 billion which is used to provide the services on which members of the public depend. Are people seriously suggesting that we can obtain a €4 billion adjustment out of that €15 billion? That is not an option. As a result, we must consider everything.

Against the background of our purchasing power this year - during which we increased social welfare payments by 3.5% and which has been marked by an increase in inflation of 4.5% to 5% - we must, therefore-----

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