Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We are doing everything. We have provided the means by which, thankfully, an increasing number of people are in gainful employment. With regard to the specific issue that has arisen, the Government has confirmed it wants the matter resolved in a manner consistent with the employment laws and standards which apply in this country and through the industrial relations procedures available to ensure this takes place, as has happened in respect of many other disputes which have arisen. An attempt is being made in the House to suggest that the Government has some other motivation or objective. Nothing could be further from the truth. The person who normally stands in this place has more reason than any Member of the House to ensure this outcome emerges and has a better track record than other Deputies on these matters.

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