Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I will take the question in the context of what is in order for discussion, namely Nos. 12, 13 and 13a. I am assuming that Deputy Ó Caoláin will have an opportunity to contribute when we refer this matter to the Joint Committee. We are looking in particular at terrorist finance trafficking programmes. I am sure he will be supportive of that and will make a fine contribution on it at the Joint Committee in the context of what it is all about.

The second matter concerns the strike situation. As the Taoiseach, all other members of the Government and all Members of this House have indicated, we do not feel the withdrawal of labour will be constructive or add in any way to the discussions that are currently ongoing between the Government, employers and public service unions. In normal circumstances, a withdrawal of labour takes place after something has been decided, as opposed to pre-empting something that is being considered and has not been decided. Equally, this House - apart from one party - came to an agreement during the pre-budget outlook debate that we must find an adjustment of €4 billion. It was the only thing we did agree on. In the context of how that can be achieved, the Government has indicated that public sector reform and pay will be part of those discussions, although no final decision has been made. In the context of the ongoing discussions between the social partners, I certainly feel there is still time to allow those discussions to continue to take place.

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