Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I will not get into an argument on the matter. I am making the point that the Deputy is not correct to suggest we do not have a strategy. I am not prepared to walk away from the budgetary strategy which the Government has set nor am I in a position to do so. No responsible Government in our position would do that.

However, I am interested in finding a realistic basis on which to engage because I do not believe industrial action will achieve the objectives set out for it. The situation facing the country requires us to sit down on a realistic basis and with a recognition of what needs to be done. An entire agenda has already been discussed which has intrinsic merit and should not be conditional on anything because it is the best means by which we can address the concerns of public servants regarding their future pay and security of employment. It is by looking at the non-pay side that one avoids having to consider the pay side. The Government has no wish to consider the pay side but the realities are as they are. Two plus two equals four and one can add the zeroes later.

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