Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

However, this is a simulated devaluation that places the burden on only one section of society. We are told that workers should take a pay cut. If they do, will the fees charged for a doctor's visit also fall, or their health insurance bills? Will other interests in our society take a similar hit?

I have no doubt that we will see lengthy talks going on in Government Buildings in the coming days. We can be fairly confident that an agreement will emerge. We know that, when called on, the social partners will seek to do their part even if some of those social partners will insist on using the opportunity to beat their ideological drum. This is not a game of "deal or no deal". What matters is what is actually in the deal. So far, all the indications from the Government are that the over-riding objective of the talks is to cut public expenditure.

Will I have time to continue after the break?

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