Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

The wish list brought to the table by all sides may have to be parked but the fundamental issue is to bring forward a pay deal that reflects the new reality. All sectors of social partnership, and Members, should outline the realities that exist without undermining the competitiveness of the economy.

Over the past number of weeks, in the context of the publication of the report, the Government was aware of the challenges. The Minister for Finance last year gave an indication that growth rates would be dramatically reduced coming into 2008, over and above what was experienced over the previous years. The Government took remedial action at that time. To say that the Government was unaware of the challenge presented by the fact that we would not have 7% growth year on year suggests people have missed something.

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