Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister. A few minutes ago, the Minister referred to the Darby O'Gill school of economics, of which he is the best exponent present on this matter. The Minister has stated his target for payroll savings under the Croke Park deal for 2012, as announced by him on budget day, is €400 million. However, he omitted to mention the cost of €600 million in lump sums to be paid this year. Although he lectured Members a moment ago about balancing books, I repeat my main criticism of the Minister, which is he only ever gives half the picture. He mentions the savings but does not mention the cost of achieving those savings. This year, he will spend the guts of €1 billion to achieve these savings. Pensions must be paid to those who will retire from 1 March, as they no longer will be in employment, and there will be lump sum payments. Consequently, it will cost approximately €1 billion to bring about the aforementioned staff reductions at the end of February.

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