Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

This is the first opportunity we have had since last Thursday to ask the Taoiseach about the decision announced by the Government that day to cut the 2011 budget by €6 billion. That announcement does not appear to have greatly impressed the markets. There was a cut of €4 billion last year and no growth resulted. It is intended to have a cut of €6 billion in next year's budget and the Government expects growth of 1.75%.

I have a number of questions about this. First, has the Taoiseach any concerns that a cut of this magnitude will further depress the economy, will work against job creation and will hamper growth in the economy? Second, with regard to the promised four-year budgetary plan, can he give us some clarification as to where that plan is at? What is the date of publication for the plan? Third, has a draft of the plan been submitted to the European Commission?

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