Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

It is obvious Deputy Bannon did not listen to my initial reply. I was asked specifically about the recommendations and I outlined the nature sof those recommendations. I concluded by stating that discussions were taking place, that the matter had been referred to the committee and that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any specific savings that might happen in advance of the deliberations being finalised. The recommendations contained in the McCarthy report will be decided upon by the Government and not individual Ministers. The latter will make their own recommendations, but the Government will make decisions in respect of the overall position.

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