John Gilroy (Labour)

I welcome the Minister to the House. I also welcome the €3.9 billion of cuts in the capital programme given the circumstances we are in. It is necessary that spending be reduced by €12.4 billion over the next four years. As the Minister stated, hard political choices have to be made. This Government is and will continue to make those choices, not because it wants to but because it must. The postponement of certain projects will save €750 million, which would otherwise have to be made up through a reduction in services or taxation measures. It has been agreed that as unpleasant as it is this is the least disruptive choice for our economy and society. It will have the least impact on our public services, competitiveness, jobs and ultimately our economic recovery. It is not fair that Senator O'Brien has to listen to this. I often feel sorry for him but the legacy of the Government of which his party was part is shameful.