Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy made a comment which is not correct. He said that was his view and his view is incorrect. That has never been my way of conducting discussions with anyone. I know what must be obtained and what the objective is. Everyone in this House has come around to the view that the adjustment to be made is of the order of €4 billion. While the trade union movement has set out its view regarding the time needed for an adjustment to be made, as it is entitled to do, there is an understanding and acceptance, in the context of these discussions, that the €4 billion figure is the one we must deal with for 2010. People may reserve their positions on that but we must proceed if we are to arrive at outcomes. That was part of a previous discussion. The sharing of information was another part of that discussion.

No one has committed to anything. Everyone is acting in good faith. I must now see the specific proposals which the trade unions believe can provide an outcome to which the Government can subscribe. I accept that people are acting in good faith in this regard. That process is occurring now.

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