Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That time went quickly. I will have to save the rest for later in the week when the other Ministers will be present.

Demographic pressure, public service pay and the carry-over mean that the service needs an additional €691 million per annum. In this budget, the Government has set aside only €685 million, leaving a shortfall of €6 million. This fact has been put out today and it has not been disputed by the Ministers so far.

The 50 cent increase in excise on the packet of cigarettes is the right thing to do. I would say that measure is cost neutral. There is elasticity in an action that would cause people to change their behaviour. The Government has factored that in as €64 million. That certainly worries me.