Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach referred to sitting down with the people affected and recognises that this is a crucial aspect in the context of the social partners. However, the task force did not include representation from all the key sectors. There was representation from the private sector but consumers, trade unions and the NGOs were not represented. Given that it has published its action plan, does the Taoiseach envisage that the task force will remain in place? If it does remain in place and in the context of his comments on sitting down with the people affected, does he propose to include representation on it from the various sectors to which I refer?

In light of the fact that the deliberations of the task force took place against a backdrop of cuts and an ever-tightening economic reality, there is great concern that the implementation of the action plan will represent a further facilitation of cuts within the public service.

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