Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Absolutely. As already stated, the agreements in question are based on the programme for Government, which incorporates the national development plan, approved Government programmes and annual Estimates for capital and current expenditure. The implication regarding the public finances and the need to prioritise the programmes to which I refer is obviously a matter of extreme importance for the Government. The then leader of the Fianna Fáil Party, in an effort to ensure sufficient support for Government in the House and to allow it to get on with the programme for Government for five years, entered into political negotiations with Independent Deputies, a practice tried and utilised by others when the numbers suited them or they believed an opportunity presented itself to allow them put together a programme for Government. These are the type of normal political arrangements entered into in negotiations. As I said, they are based on the programme for Government and other public documents, which are available, and one continues to seek to implement them to the best extent one can. They are agreements completed through negotiation on the basis of support for Government. If Deputies or any individual seeks to modify, address or change that stance, that has implications, which we all understand. However, this does not mean the Deputy will not continue to make representations or continue in his or her efforts on behalf of their constituents, as would other Members of the House, whether in Government or in Opposition.

Ministers seek to address all issues on the basis of their intrinsic merit in any event. That aspect of the interaction will, I am sure, continue. With respect to the agreements, it is obvious they are dependent upon continued support for the Government.

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