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SO NOW we know the real extent of the problem and the gravity of the steps required to remedy it. It is overwhelming. The cuts in public sector numbers and social welfare, agencies and services will be parsed and analysed by experts and public sector unions in the coming days and weeks. The report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes (colloquially known as “An Bord Snip Nua”) challenges mindsets and preconceptions at a time when there are very few other options.