Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's budgetary strategy is based on the objective of continued budgetary sustainability both in the medium-term and the long-run, in line with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact.

This Government considers that prudent fiscal policies underpin competitiveness, support growth and create flexibility to respond effectively to economic shocks. Of particular importance is the need to ensure that public expenditure growth is sustainable and broadly in line with available resources and, within this, to increase the level of investment needed to tackle the economy's infrastructure deficit.

To maintain the broadly positive outlook for our economy, we will maintain the firm and disciplined approach to national budgetary policy that has been a keystone in our recent economic prosperity.