Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Talks are continuing with the public sector unions regarding the whole question of public sector pay and the contribution it can make to the budgetary requirements we will face in the coming weeks ahead of 9 December. We are also in the process of indicating to them our view of where we believe the necessary efficiencies and changes have to take place in order to reform our public services in the longer term as well as in the short and medium terms. This is continuing.

A decision was taken by, as Deputy Gilmore said, the unions concerned to embark on a one-day strike on 24 November. I very much regret the fact that it appears the strike will proceed. I would ask that it not proceed for two reasons, given the impact it can have on the provision of services for those who require them and because it is not clear what it can achieve, since it would be far better to continue with the discussions that are ongoing between Government and the unions. I would ask that people would, even at this late stage, consider the position further and avoid the necessity of withdrawal from work on that date, given the impact it will have on society, and allow their representatives to continue in discussions with the Government as we seek to find a way forward.

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