Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

-----will the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste be brought in so there can be balanced dispute resolution? To be serious for a moment, there will be contentious issues. The Minister will be back in the House to discuss Sunday premium hours, joint labour committees, etc., which we have already discussed, so I will not discuss them now. However, members of all parties, including the Government parties, have different views on them. What will be the timeframe for dispute resolution? Some of the decisions the Minister will have to make will be crucial. The joint labour committees and Sunday premium hours have been kicked to touch until January. What mechanism will be available to enable the Minister to deal with future disputes?

I refer to pay and conditions and pensions. The Minister mentioned the National Treasury Management Agency. Some pseudo State bodies and third level institutions have transferred all their pension schemes into the National Treasury Management Agency for it to manage. Rules and regulations were set down by the previous Minister for Finance that no additional benefits should be added to those schemes to enhance the liabilities of those pension schemes. Unfortunately, under the previous Government's watch - I brought it to its attention - that directive from the Department of Finance was ignored by many State bodies and institutions. I am glad to hear the Minister is considering it.

We are dealing with a budget deficit. The State, not to mention the private sector, face a pensions timebomb. In terms of State pension schemes operated by the NTMA, how will the Minister ensure a directive from him or from the Minister for Finance-----