Timing of expenditure savings
Fitzgerald asked whether Bruton’s remarks implied further current-spending cuts beyond the £148 million. Bruton clarified that the figures concerned savings in 1981; other decisions might produce savings in later years and could be raised in a separate question.
I asked the Minister a specific question on the reductions outlined in his budget statement. Do I now understand from what the Minister said that there are further cuts in current expenditure over and above £148 million? That is the implication of the Minister's answer to Deputy Wilson.
Comment on this
These savings about which the Deputy put down a question — I presume he knows what he was asking — relate to 1981 only. Decisions taken by the Government in the context of the pre-budget discussions in July may yield no financial saving in 1981 and would not fall to be replied to in respect of the question posed by Deputy Fitzgerald. They may yield saving in 1982, 1983 and so on. If the Deputy or any other Deputy wishes information about these matters he is welcome to put down a question and I or the relevant Minister will be happy to reply to him.