Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have explained to Deputy Kenny that he is inaccurate in what he has claimed. The administrative cut in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment amounted to €46 million. I do not have the specific details but the idea there will be no cuts in administration is ridiculous. I have explained to Deputy Kenny that the allocations referred to in the McCarthy report are multi-annual allocations for three years.

The position the country is in requires the Government to look at all areas of expenditure. We carefully considered any reductions in social welfare payments. We ensured the 470,000 pensioners and the 450,000 children in low-income and welfare-dependent families would not be affected. The Government sought everything it could.

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