SEANAD REPORT:THE GOVERNMENT had funked the issue of cuts in public expenditure by giving the job to a body, which was, by definition, antagonistic to such cuts, Shane Ross (Ind) said. "I cannot understand the point of putting four people who are all on the public payroll on a board to decide an issue such as this," he said.

The Government's approach would not resolve the crisis in the economy, which was moving downhill so quickly that the board's recommendations were likely to be out of date by the time they were made.

Frances Fitzgerald (FG) said she was amazed that a task which was essentially the responsibility of the Cabinet was being outsourced. "Announcing yet another board . . . is extraordinary."

Joe O'Toole (Ind) said he would be much relieved if Donal McNally,Maurice O'Connell and Colm McCarthy were not allowed to get their hands on the public service.

"I have no doubt they will do the Government's job and I wish they would not."

Dominic Hannigan (Lab) said he had not been impressed by the latest statements of the Minister for Finance. "He has ruled out further taxes and seems to have ruled out a stimulus package."

Paul Coghlan (FG) said there was a sufficient number of well-versed civil servants in every department to ensure the "necessary" cutbacks were made.

Donie Cassidy (FF) said the expertise and track record of the four people appointed to the board was to be welcomed.