In relation to discussion with financial institutions, has the Taoiseach sought the approval of the Central Bank for the use of reserved funds of approximately £160 million to fund the enforced redundancy of 16,000 public servants?

First of all, there will be no enforced redundancies. Part of the programme stipulates that redundancies in the public service should be on a voluntary basis in so far as possible, and if there is to be any change in that it will be negotiated with the social partners.

What about the Central Bank?

Second, as the Deputy having been a Member of a former Government would fully understand, any discussions between the Government or the Minister for Finance and the Central Bank would, of necessity, be confidential. But I do not think the Deputy need be particularly worried about the rumour.

I am calling Question No. 8 in the name of Deputy Alan Dukes.

Confidentiality aside, would the Taoiseach confirm, as I have not received a reply to my question, that on page V of the Book of Estimates the subsequent arrangements referred to deal with that matter and that it is extraordinary that £160 million for pay and pensions is not reflected in any of the Votes as published yesterday and that this in fact is probably the biggest stroke of all——

The Deputy seems to be imparting information rather than seeking it.

It is not for nothing that the Deputy is known as one of the most mischievous men in Irish politics.

I am interested only in the truth. The Taoiseach has not denied my assertion.

If I were to go around denying all the fictitious accusations the Deputy makes, I would have a full time occupation. All the provisions for pay and pensions are included in the Book of Estimates.

Redundancy is not, and the Taoiseach knows that.

Please do not adopt these bullying tactics.

Where is the £160 million.

The Deputy has sought information. He should now listen.

The Minister for Finance has already indicated that the full information in regard to the provisions for redundancy will be announced in the budget. As a matter of fact, it would be impossible for us to do otherwise at the moment as we do not know the extent to which voluntary redundancies will be taken up.

It is a bit early to fiddle the Estimates.