Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The social policy unit deals with all of these issues and there are Cabinet committees that some of its personnel attend, as I do. The unit interacts on an ongoing basis with various groups representing stakeholder interests on all of these issues. The question of the budget, obviously, is determined ultimately by the Minister of Finance based on consultations and discussions with colleagues. I am proud that over many years we have seen social welfare budgets increase way in excess of the cost of living, as the budgetary position allowed. We have to look at all areas of expenditure in the context of next week's budget to meet the €4 billion savings objective necessary in the present circumstances.

See this speech in context