Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy made three very important points. We have published expenditure ceilings for the next three years. We might have a broader discussion at committee on the fiscal space we will have for next year, which will be a real issue, rather than trying to do it here. That is part of ongoing negotiations with the Commission in terms of how that fiscal space is to be measured accurately, to give us the capacity, for example, to invest when the economy is recovering.

That will require a broader discussion between us. FEMPI is, by its nature, emergency legislation. I have to put an annual report before the House to state that the emergency continues. I have done that every June. Thank God, the day will come when there will no longer be an emergency, but the Deputy is correct that we cannot allow a big collapse or a big bang. There will have to be a negotiated winding down of FEMPI if we are to sustain the gains we have made instead of putting them in jeopardy. I take on board what he says about front-line services.

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