Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister is saying that if FEMPI goes, the Lansdowne Road agreement goes with it. Where was the honour on both sides in that agreement if it is felt that a change to this legislation means the agreement did not happen? The Minister referred to the agreement and the changes that were introduced. I take the view that the people who negotiated the Lansdowne Road agreement for the next three years, regardless of what happens in the wider economy, have an agreement that those on both sides will honour. I do not believe an elimination of FEMPI in any way tears up the agreement. I make the point that the agreement was legislated for.

I find interesting the new remark made by the Minister on the timescale for striking out the FEMPI legislation from the Statute Book. I hope I am wrong but my interpretation of what the Minister has stated is that the Lansdowne Road agreement will bring a saving of €300 million next year.