I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 126, 157 and 164 together.
The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes was established by the Minister for Finance to examine current expenditure programmes in each Department and to make recommendations for reducing public service numbers so as to ensure a return to sustainable public finances. The Group will make periodic reports to the Minister for Finance and will submit its final report by the end of June 2009.
Neither I, nor officials of the Department, have had discussions with the Group to date. Indeed, the Group is not scheduled to examine the Department's expenditure until early April 2009.