Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together.

Following my invitation on 24 March, the Government and social partners have had further engagement within the context of the Framework for a Pact for Stabilisation, Social Solidarity and Economic Renewal agreed in January, and the subsequent report of the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, which emphasises the importance of an integrated policy approach which addresses all five dimensions of the current crisis. This engagement has focused on developing a shared understanding of how to respond to the five interlocking sets of problems identified by the NESC - economic, social, banking, public finances and reputational.

Recent discussions with the ICTU and IBEC have focused, in particular, on protecting jobs and assisting those who lose their jobs; responding to the challenges facing the pensions system; support for enterprises facing particular difficulties at present; taxation and expenditure adjustments required to return the public finances to stability; maintaining a sustainable level of social protection; difficulties encountered in meeting mortgage commitments as a result of job losses; the transformation of public services; the concept of a national recovery bond; corporate governance concerns arising from recent developments; and employment rights and industrial relations.

There has also been engagement on issues relating to pay and related matters. The Government and each of the pillars of social partnership have continued these discussions on an intensive basis following the supplementary budget on 7 April. Yesterday the Government considered the progress made, which included an overview on the main areas of difficulty that have emerged. The Government will reflect on these issues further in the coming days and further contact will be made with the social partners following that consideration.

It is clear there is a great deal of common ground between the Government and the social partners and there is a strong case for the continuation of social partnership as part of the distinctive European tradition of social dialogue. I am hopeful the basis will be found for that to continue in our case at this particularly challenging time.

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