Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will not deny the pressure we have kept on reducing staff numbers has had an impact, but the contribution made by the reduction in the overall public pay bill was a critical contributor to the economic improvement we can see, particularly in the ESRI's report published today. I will send the Deputy two very long tables. Most requests are granted because Departments know what will make it through and what will not and normally they do not apply for something which does not have a prospect of being successful. The Deputy will see there is a very long list and I have tried to be as flexible as I can in the case of critical positions which adversely impact either on public services or carrying out normal public duties such as in Revenue. The Deputy will have a chance to go through the list in some detail and more questions might arise after he has had an opportunity to do so at his leisure.

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