Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I also wish to answer the other question Deputy Gilmore asked me on next Tuesday's day of protest. We all have a responsibility in this matter. The day of protest has been called by the unions concerned. I would rather it was not happening. We are continuing to discuss issues with the public service unions, but the decisions we will be taking will be on 9 December. This day of protest on 24 November will not impinge greatly on that, other than that it will cause a fair deal of disruption on the day. My honest belief is that it would be far better for people to continue to engage on the basis of the decisions that will be made on 9 December rather than engaging in a day of protest next week.

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