Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Business to be ordered for the future can be arranged by the Whips. Whether this is an issue that comes up for debate is a matter for the Whips to discuss.

With regard to the industrial relations issue, I stated to the House last week that there are well-established channels of communication with representatives of the trade unions in the public service that can be used to establish whether a basis for engagement can be identified. We have always stood ready and available to engage. There is a shared view on the changes throughout the public service that would produce greater efficiency, better services for the public and more satisfactory working conditions for public servants. It is through engagement on that agenda rather than industrial action that the issues of concern to public servants can be addressed. We have asked people to reflect on the extent to which conflict will get in the way of our shared ambitions for the public service and the well-being of individual public servants. We are available in that respect to do that.

The lost at sea scheme report was available in both Houses of the Oireachtas and has been dealt with.

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