Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

No I did not. What I indicated today was that we have a period to devise an appropriate solution until the end of the year and that no solution has yet been agreed or decided upon by the Government.

As regards Deputies Morgan and Burton, I understand many people are unemployed as a result of the economic recession. I also understand many people's incomes have come under pressure, not just in the public but in the private sector. Of course I understand these matters. The task of the Government, however, is to ensure it puts the economy on the road to recovery. That requires certain basic decisions be taken and not evaded.

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