John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputies McDonald, Nash and Donohoe have indicated they wish to contribute, but before they do, I have two questions arising from Mr. Cody's opening statement.

First, I am struck by the point Mr. Cody made about not being consulted. Am I to understand that prior to the announcement of the review of the €1.5 billion paid in allowances, there was no consultation whatsoever, with the unions or the implementation body itself, in regard to the figure for savings that might be achieved arising from that review?