Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I said, I am ready to engage with the Opposition in regard to its Private Members' motion. Given that it has tabled the motion — we have tabled a counter motion, as has the Labour Party — we would like to debate it within the time allocated. Obviously, the Government is getting on with the business of preparing for the budget and Ministers are involved in bilateral meetings this week also.

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