James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Deputy does not want to listen. There is none so blind as he who will not see and none so deaf as he who will not listen. The bottom line is that we are obliged to make difficult decisions. We do not make them lightly, but we have little choice given the poisoned chalice passed down to us. However, the situation has improved. In regard to the moratorium on public sector recruitment, the health sector has been responsible for 45% of the reduction in numbers, even though it is responsible for only 33% of the numbers employed. We have done our part. We will continue to seek to keep within budget while maintaining services. Deputy Seamus Kirk's question will afford me an opportunity to outline how that is being done through the special delivery unit.

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