Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

On my question on the Croke Park agreement, the Taoiseach seems to preface everything by trying to blame others. The bottom line is whether he agrees with the assertion of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, that if the Croke Park agreement does not deliver the required savings the option that will be chosen will be a further cut in the pay of public servants.

In terms of the spending review, is the Taoiseach not aware that a comprehensive review of public spending exists, namely, the report of the economist Colm McCarthy, known as the an bord snip review? It is quite comprehensive and provides a wide range of options to Ministers and the Government to get on with, rather than kicking the can down the road to September. The Government has accepted the €6 billion budget which was introduced last year by the outgoing Government. The current Government described it as "savage" but accepted it and the parameters of cuts of €3 billion for next year.

Given the growth rates are not materialising it is very clear there may need to be adjustments to that figure. The key question is whether the Taoiseach accepts the assertion of the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, in terms of cuts in public service pay. Would the Taoiseach accept there has already been a comprehensive spending review?

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