Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I am at present. The reply I would give is similar to that I gave Deputy Broughan. The Deputy asked where matters stand in the context of various programmes and I indicated that they are all funded and inside the parameters outlined in the budget. We have the ability to respond to different shocks with which we might have to deal. We have to keep on building up that ability, however. Clearly, the larger our surplus, the better we are able to withstand a downturn. Having a rainy day fund in place really helps. Ensuring that there is less of a relationship and a smaller link between the State and the banking sector is invaluable. While progress has been made, that progress is incomplete. There is more that needs to be done. Ensuring that we are careful with how we manage public expenditure during the year is a really big part of that.

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