Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It has been my intention for the House to debate the actions to be taken by the Government to deal with the current economic situation. I do not intend to defer decisions until after the House goes into recess. The Cabinet meeting ended not so long ago and the press release has been prepared. When the press conference is held, the press release will be made available to the House at the same time. There will be an opportunity at 4.15 p.m. for some questions to be asked, and there will be a debate for nine hours. There will be an opportunity for everyone to come into the House and for the position to be explained to the House, in so far as possible. No more open or detailed way can be found to do this apart from that outlined in the interests of communicating to everyone and having a debate on the issues as they arise. The Government is being as open as it possibly can be.

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