Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy must listen while I explain the situation. The negotiations developed. I want to make it clear that the Government had a view on this matter. We were prepared to continue with those discussions. I outlined the Government position clearly to the House on Wednesday and I stated that we needed permanency and a sufficient amount, and we needed to ensure there would be no disruption of service in respect of how we would proceed.

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