Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I note the Minister's statement included a few sentences about generic drugs and how the Government will secure lower prices from those concerned. However, everything the Minister has announced today is predicated on a growth rate of 1.6% for next year. This is well and good and all Members hope this will happen. However, if it does not, it will make some of the Minister's announcements appear very shallow.

The Minister has introduced a number of swingeing cuts but the biggest cut he has made today is a cut in employment.

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