Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The Minister accepted that a further reduction that would equal a reduction of 20% would be disproportionate. However, that does not take from the view, and I reiterate what I said yesterday, that nobody on this side of the House, nor the other side, is in a position to say what adjustments are needed in the context of next year's budget. However, our clear view is that public sector reform is for the benefit of the citizens of the country. Arising from public sector reform, we can find savings which can be taken into consideration in the context of the adjustments we may need next year.

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