Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I completely reject that view. It is unfortunate that it is usual practice to introduce personalities into the situation. In any discussions I have had with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on these matters the Minister for Finance accompanied me to all those meetings and full and frank discussions took place between all the parties concerned.

The Government was at one with regard to the one proposal put to us on Tuesday, it did not meet the first test which was, as I outlined on Wednesday morning to the House, the question of quantum, the need to get the required amounts. My view, and that of the Government, has always been that, having communicated that message to the public sector unions, they wished to continue to develop the proposal while recognising that the amount was not sufficient to meet the needs of Government, we would continue with those discussions in good faith-----

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