Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

They are not. I said they were 90% complete and the remaining issues, if people are reasonable and do not look for impossible situations, can be resolved. However, this issue has been in the domain throughout the process. It is totally incorrect to say the issue was not around this year. It was a major issue throughout the autumn right up to 4 December when we tried to see whether we could get going on talks.

There has been enormous activity on pensions during the past year with different issues raised and different positions taken. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs issued proposals and the Pensions Board raised annuities issues. The Government is determined to resolve these issues but it is understood that it cannot be done in the short term because there is no short-term solution and the issues cannot be dealt with overnight. Pensions issues in the private sector must be resolved. Many workers do not have a pension and we must work to create a better climate. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs has outlined the Government's position at several meetings and conferences and we are determined to work over a period to deal with this.

Since the talks process began in 1987 — Deputy Rabbitte may not recall how it works but, having been involved in six agreements, I do——

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