Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Does the Deputy Leader agree that a new budget is needed that is fair and balanced and that addresses expenditure and taxation measures? Will he clarify when the new central banking commission will be established? Will it replace the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator? I assume those bodies will no longer exist under the new banking commission. Is that correct? Has the Government taken a decision on capping the salaries of bank chief executives and what is that cap?

What is the Green Party's position, and that of the Government, on protecting front-line services? I remain concerned that many of the current cutbacks are blunt in their application and hit the most vulnerable. I am speaking particularly about the recent cuts in provision for children with special needs, book grants and Travellers' grants, and funding for schools that work with the most disadvantaged groups. Is a policy being put in place to protect front-line services?