Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I find that answer somewhat disappointing. It is obvious that more than 500 members will have left the Defence Forces by 31 December. The Government's target of having a payroll cut of 6.85% will be achieved because the figure of 500 - the true figure will be in excess of this - is one eleventh, or approximately 9%, of the full complement. Therefore, the saving will be more than achieved. If an organisation such as the Defence Forces achieves the cut the Government seeks, why can it not be treated in isolation as a special case?

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