The recently published Government expenditure Estimates for 2003 drew a considerable amount of comment from the Opposition, much of it misdirected. The Government intends to continue to do what is best for Ireland and all our people by prudent management of the public finances and the economy. I want to assure the House that there will be no return to the failed spending solutions of the past. Having said that, I think it would be useful to mention a few facts on the level of public expenditure provided for in 2003 compared to 1997. Over that period, health spending will have risen by €5.2 billion to €8.9 billion; spending on education will have gone up by €2.5 billion to €5.6 billion; spending on social welfare will have increased by €4.5 billion to €10.2 billion; and spending on infrastructure will increase by €2 billion to nearly €5.6 billion. These figures clearly demonstrate the commitment of the Government to areas of priority. Contrary to what I hear from the Opposition, everything cannot be a priority. Choices have to be made and difficult decisions taken – that is what it means to be in Government. On top of the Estimates allocations, the extra expenditure announced by the Minister today adds a further €1.3 billion in gross spending and has been allocated to priority areas.