Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With respect to the Deputy, I was simply replying in substance to all the points he made. I was suggesting that there were areas where we had agreement and areas where perhaps we have a difference of emphasis. That is all I was doing.

On the supplementary points made by Deputy Gilmore, that is precisely what I am seeking to achieve. On all occasions I have sought to point out that the best way forward is an agreed way forward, one that is about solving the problems not avoiding them. All of us who are involved in the social partnership process have that major challenge to confront and overcome. It has been my approach throughout the course of this year, to seek out and obtain agreement. Where it was not possible to obtain agreement, ultimately, on the pensions levy I had to come to this House on the following day and put a proposal to the House and proceed with it.

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