Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister for Public and Expenditure and Reform this morning gave a very clear outline of the position we are moving into. There are 300,000 persons employed in the public sector; 3% of these are leaving and 97% will remain in situ. Clearly, the flexibility that is inherent in the Croke Park agreement will now be put to the test. The Government has no intention of allowing a situation where it is not possible for front line services to be fulfilled.

See this speech in context