Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am not. This is an important point. I indicated to the Deputy yesterday and again today, in a spirit of generosity, that if there were prospective candidates who should receive the consideration of the Government in respect of the issue, I am open to hear from the Deputy on the matter. That is a fair and honest assessment of the situation and one that is consistent with what I stated yesterday.

I would prefer if what I have to say were not regarded as less than generous compared with what Deputy Gilmore has to say. That is a fair and honest appraisal of the position in respect of the Government's responsibilities in this matter. They are no different from Governments' responsibilities on previous occasions. I do not recall a consultation process being offered to Fianna Fáil when it was in opposition.

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