Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

That is a matter for the Opposition parties to determine and decide upon in their own democratic way.

Furthermore, in respect of meeting the continuing challenge that faces the country in establishing and maintaining stability in our financial system and the real economic challenge that faces the country in the months and years ahead, it is important to continue to try to do this in a way that brings a national effort behind any proposals that are brought forward.

As I stated, a framework has been agreed with the social partners. There is much, for example, in what the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has had to say, which is consistent with my approach and that of the Government. It is an agenda which closely reflects the framework agreed between the social partners on 28 January and the Government's views that an integrated national response to the current crisis is not only desirable but essential if there is to be sufficient impetus and a coherence of approach to meet the scale of the challenge. I remain of that view.

At present, however, there is not a basis for the resumption of formal negotiations. Obviously, the week in which we enact the legislation providing for the imposition of a pension levy is not the most conducive week for such discussions. However, I believe everyone who is interested in the betterment of the country and meeting the challenge we face must try to ascertain if there is a way to return to these issues in a comprehensive fashion, although not specifically on the policy initiatives we have taken, which are necessary in the circumstances in which we find ourselves. I remain open to discuss with the social partners the real challenges facing us in the months and years ahead. In the meantime, the Government, as it has demonstrated, will continue to take whatever decisions we believe are necessary in the circumstances. We look forward to those efforts.

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