Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The role that the Government will play in this matter will be consistent with our budgetary strategy while at the same time providing a means by which people can constructively engage with us on these matters. I am not here to negotiate in public or to suggest that the matrix or form which the Deputy is suggesting is comprehensive in terms of the full agenda that needs to be addressed. There is no point in calling for talks unless we know a realistic basis exists on which to proceed.

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