I wrote to the Taoiseach yesterday looking for the details of the issues he is discussing with social partnership so the spokespersons on finance at least could have some direction on the trend of this so-called debate here today. The Taoiseach wrote back to me stating the Framework for Economic Renewal was published in December last by the Government. I recall that being done with great pomp and ceremony, and it was rubbished completely by the media afterwards. He stated that he met with the social partners, that he sought their views, reactions and comments, and he is entitled to do that. He added that earlier this month he met the social partners and he briefed them on the extent of the implications of the end-year Exchequer returns, and he is entitled to do that. He stated: "The proposals for a framework agreement which are being discussed with the Social Partners are based on these parameters." They are based on the parameters of what was published in December last. He continued: "In accordance with long-established precedent, it would not be appropriate to put into the public domain specific texts which are subject of current discussion." The Taoiseach went on to state:

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