Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

That was suggested within hours of the breakdown. That was the picture that was painted. What was first broadcast on radio, namely, the first couple of inserts on "Morning Ireland", became the picture. That is incorrect.

With regard to the points made by Deputy Gilmore, there are instances where the pay agreement is being honoured, or has been paid. As Deputies know, there are inability-to-pay clauses and there has been a serious deterioration since those negotiations were completed. The assumptions upon which they were made have changed. All that has happened because of the unprecedented situation which this and every other country faces. The context is the deepening economic recession which is enveloping, not only the advanced economies of the world, but all parts. The question of reconvening talks is a matter, therefore, that would require the agreement of all sides. The current position of the trade union movement is that it has an agreement and that those who are in a position to pay should pay and those who have a problem should proceed, in the normal way, to use the terms of the agreement to address issues and to try to deal with these matters at enterprise levels. That is the position. It is not a question of the agreement being disregarded in that respect. Obviously, there are difficulties, stresses and strains that are reflected in the new economic reality with which we contend.

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