Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Talks are ongoing; they are not beginning tomorrow. As the Deputy is aware, they are on the basis of the trade unions' indication that they believe policy options are available to the Government for the purposes of achieving necessary savings next year in the public service pay bill. Obviously, the Government has been in discussions with the trade unions on various data and policy issues that arise and these discussions will continue tomorrow. In the context of the ongoing discussions and against the background of the agenda to transform public services being the means by which the Government can look to progress in transforming public services and providing a template for public service reform, the Government has indicated, at the unions' request and through documentation, its vision for the public service in the medium and longer term.

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