Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The discussions with the social partners do not merely relate to the public finances. They also involve how we support enterprise and use the resources that will be available in the area of social welfare as a result of joblessness. We must identify those whose jobs are at risk and provide them with job maintenance programmes before they lose those jobs. Discussions in this regard are at an advanced stage. We will have a discussion on the economy today and tomorrow in respect of the decisions we made yesterday. Constructive suggestions from anyone will be welcome. I have never suggested a monopoly of wisdom in any part of the House.

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