Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I could not help but think about the tooth fairy and I would be very interested to see Sinn Féin's detailed budget submission. Senator Doherty had some emotional talk about thousands of workers being put out on the dole and a slash and burn attitude. I do not believe that either the Government or the unions which have signed up to the agreement saw that as the ultimate end of this process.

I welcome the Minister of State. I also commend to the House an article by Kevin Myers in yesterday's Irish Independent. In dealing with the new buzzword of consensus, he takes to task commentators outside these Houses who seem to be hell-bent on dividing society and constantly focus on how they can divide the public and private sector and create division in what is a growing consensus within these Houses about at least the parameters under which we should proceed in trying to reduce our deficit by 2014.

I am glad the Minister of State referred to the national procurement service which continues to leverage the public service's buying power. Last year, in addition to getting better value for money, total savings of €27 million were achieved and a figure of €40 million is being targeted in 2010. I am particularly pleased that this is happening and it is being driven by the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, who as Members on all sides of the House will agree is young, dynamic, imaginative and in the right place at the right time. I wish him well in the efforts he is making to achieve savings in both areas and to push through the elements of the Croke Park agreement.