The Taoiseach’s statement in the Dáil today 3 February 09 made reference to specific savings in advertising. The background to these savings is the urgent requirement to make

“an immediate adjustment of the order of €2bn [to the nations finances]. This must be followed with adjustments of €4bn in 2010 and again in 2011, €3.5bn in 2012 and €3bn in 2013.”

Brian Cowen’s speech went on

“Today we are announcing the first steps towards achieving those targets…..€140m through general administrative efficiencies and savings, including those arising from the non-payment of the scheduled 1 September pay increase arising under the Towards 2016 Agreement, through further savings in Advertising, PR and Consultancies; and through savings on Defence equipment; €300m through an across-the-board reduction in the 2009 Budget Exchequer capital allocations.”

END