Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

37. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the impact of the proposed agreement on Croke Park 2 on medium term expenditure targets on public spending up until Budget 2017. [24521/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The economic forecasts underpinning Budget 2013 were consistent with the expenditure consolidation set out on Budget day and included provisions for savings through a reduction in the public service pay bill of €300m in 2013 and an overall reduction of €1bn by 2015. These forecasts were updated at the end of last month for the Irish Stability Programme – April 2013 Update. They continue to reflect the consolidation envelope laid out at Budget time as well as the outturn for 2012 as estimated by the CSO. As set out in the forecasts, the government consumption component of GDP is set to decline in every year to 2015, consistent with policy-related objectives of reducing the public sector pay bill.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

38. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects public expenditure and reform targets to be met in the current and subsequent years throughout the public sector with particular reference to the review of the Croke Park 2 agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24672/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government continues to make good progress on achieving all of our deficit targets and priorities, as articulated in the Government Programme. We are bringing public expenditure back onto a sustainable path and driving forward the public service reform agenda to ensure that efficiencies and reformed work practices play a full part in contributing to the overall budgetary consolidation effort which is essential to achieving economic recovery. To date, all quantitative fiscal targets set as part of the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support have been met in full and I am confident that the 2013 target will, likewise, be achieved in full, including the appropriate contribution from public service pay and pensions.