Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am not aware of the detailed arrangements put in place regarding any work to rule or industrial action being taken by a trade or Civil Service union. The matter should be taken up with the unions. We are anxious to see if there is a basis on which engagement can occur. I welcome that the public services committee decided not to escalate the current industrial action at this point. I have made clear our view on how these issues can be resolved and there are established channels of communication between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Government, which I am sure can be used to establish if a basis for engagement can be found.

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