Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Obviously it is not enough, but the initiatives taken by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, have certainly contributed to that positivity and sense of achievement. We know it is not enough but given the situation and that we still have to borrow €1 billion per month, it is never easy. We have made the point that this budget is difficult. We want to do what is necessary to achieve our targets but at the same time we understand the pressures people are under. We will use whatever flexibility we have to put that into situations where jobs can be created.

The Minister, Deputy Howlin, announced a €2.5 billion stimulus last year for the likes of one quadrant of the Grangegorman campus, a number of schools that are currently under way, major roads and so on. There is a €13.5 billion capital expenditure programme between now and the end of 2015 which should create thousands of jobs and will provide much-needed infrastructure in various locations.

Let me confirm again that the budget has not been signed off on. That is a matter for the entire Cabinet. The process involves each Minister dealing individually with the Minister for Finance in terms of the income revenue. The overall framework is now in place and the details will be worked out before Tuesday night.

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