Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The purpose for which I brought forward this motion was to state to the House in the first instance the decisions made by the Cabinet this afternoon and not only to do this by way of formal announcement, which procedurally is within my right to do, but also to provide an opportunity to the leaders of the Opposition parties to make a contribution and provide an initial reaction to the announcement I will make at 4 p.m.

It is also my intention to have a full debate on these matters in the House until 7 p.m. tomorrow by way of motion, which can include a questions and answers session. This would provide everybody with an opportunity to take on board what has been stated, reflect on it and address it in the House tomorrow. The proposal made by the Chief Whip is for me to come to the House in the first instance, provide the thrust of the decisions made, provide an opportunity for leaders to respond initially and to have a full debate in the House tomorrow by way of motion. I would have thought this the best way to deal with the issue.

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