Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

If he looks at page 4 he will see, in table 3, the Exchequer pay bill in gross terms for each year from 2009 to 2015. It is comparing exactly like with like across the top, beginning with the 2009 gross figure of €17.514 billion and ending in 2015 with the Exchequer gross figure of €14.6 billion. It is therefore comparing like with like. Has the Deputy read the table at all? I was asked a question on the "News at One" on foot of the Deputy's question, saying there were no pension figures in it, but they are on the same page in the next table. The Deputy should read the tables before he asks questions and issues statements.

See this speech in context