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| Version 4 | Version 5 |
|---|---|
| Cowen outlines cuts in spending | Cowen outlines cuts in spending |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| A pension levy for state employees in the Irish Republic has been announced as part of a 2bn euro package of public sector cutbacks. | A pension levy for state employees in the Irish Republic has been announced as part of a 2bn euro package of public sector cutbacks. |
| Taoiseach Brian Cowen said there would also be cuts in expenditure on a number of services, including childcare and the National Development Plan. | Taoiseach Brian Cowen said there would also be cuts in expenditure on a number of services, including childcare and the National Development Plan. |
| His announcement to the Dail came after talks with unions and employers collapsed on Tuesday morning. | His announcement to the Dail came after talks with unions and employers collapsed on Tuesday morning. |
| Opposition politicians said they were disappointed with the move. | Opposition politicians said they were disappointed with the move. |
| They earlier demanded a full debate on the government's economic proposals in the Dáil, rather than the series of statements proposed by the taoiseach. | They earlier demanded a full debate on the government's economic proposals in the Dáil, rather than the series of statements proposed by the taoiseach. |
| However, Mr Cowen said there would be an opportunity for a full debate on Wednesday. | However, Mr Cowen said there would be an opportunity for a full debate on Wednesday. |
| The pension contributions will save the Irish government 1.4bn euro, according to Mr Cowen. | The pension contributions will save the Irish government 1.4bn euro, according to Mr Cowen. |
| Break-up | |
| Talks with the government broke up at 0400 GMT on Tuesday morning. | Talks with the government broke up at 0400 GMT on Tuesday morning. |
| The Irish government must find a further 4bn euro in savings next year. | The Irish government must find a further 4bn euro in savings next year. |
| Mr Cowen is anxious to persuade international bond markets that Ireland should retain its triple A rating and that the government is dealing with the country's financial crisis. | Mr Cowen is anxious to persuade international bond markets that Ireland should retain its triple A rating and that the government is dealing with the country's financial crisis. |