Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Similarly, he cannot say he wants to hold discussions with the social partners if, when they engage in discussions and reach agreement with him on the objective of cutting public expenditure by €2 billion, he then drops them the details after midnight without allowing time for consideration or discussions aimed at reaching agreement. He cannot have it both ways.

Trade unions are willing to talk to the Taoiseach about this issue. This morning, the general secretary of congress effectively stated unions' willingness to hold discussions, reach an agreement and find a compromise. They want to see changes in this levy but the Taoiseach is saying that he will only speak to them when the deal is done and the legislation enacting the levy has passed through the House and cannot be changed. If he takes that approach, we will end up in a situation of industrial strife.

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