Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It has always been the position of this Government that it is preferable, if possible, to obtain an agreed way forward, in the interests of maintaining services, by proceeding with adjustments which are necessary in the budgetary context and to which the Government remains committed.

As regards these negotiations, it was at the unions' request that they sought to put before the Government policy options, other than a cut in basic rates, as a means of providing the necessary savings. Those discussions are continuing. I have been in discussions and have kept a close brief on all these negotiations. As regards the proposals based on the review the Government undertook yesterday, I want to acknowledge the progress that people have made, the effort that is being made and the good faith in which people are seeking to proceed. None of that is in question. As an employer, the Government has a duty to see if there are proposals that are capable of meeting its objectives and doing it on an agreed basis.

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