Vol. 553 No. 3
61 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has undertaken costings of the new programme for Government; and if he will itemise each of the items costed and the aggregate cost of the programme. [14092/02]
The programme sets out in some considerable detail this Government's plans covering, inter alia, all areas of public expenditure, taxation and the management of the economy.
As is the case with all such programmes, this one will be considered in detail by Ministers and their respective Departments. Over the years ahead proposals for the effective and timely implementation of the measures, within available resources, will be considered. Final decisions on the nature, costings and phasing of policies contained in the programme will be a matter for Government, following consideration in the usual way through the normal Estimates and budget process.
The Deputy will be aware that the joint programme has been agreed in the context of our international obligations under the stability and growth pact which provides the overriding framework for this Government's fiscal policy. Under the pact Ireland has given a sovereign commitment to keep the finances of general government close to balance or in surplus and to take corrective action when there is an actual or expected divergence from this objective. The Government is committed to the implementation of this programme in a prudent manner taking account of the pace of economic growth and respecting the need to ensure the sustainability of the public finances.
