Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

These matters are beyond the remit of the questions but I will make the general point that they are being considered and ballots are being organised on the draft agreement drawn up in Croke Park. I believe it provides the best way forward and I would like everybody to share the view that industrial strife and continuing problems in that area will do nothing for job security or income stability in the medium or longer term. The implementation of the agreement will give us the means by which we can provide people with a period of stability and an opportunity for trade union representatives to participate in the transformation of public services which everyone agrees is necessary and urgent.

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