Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Government concluded its meeting a short time ago. As a matter of courtesy a statement or press release will be laid before the House at 3.30 p.m. at the same time as I am having a press conference with the Minister for Finance. The question of how we deal with pay issues going forward is a critical matter. From my point of view, the staff referred to in these questions are unaffected, in specific terms, as regards any decisions that are to be announced concerning those matters. Specifically, however, special advisers act under the various guidelines that are set out for remuneration and they are adhered to in this respect.

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