Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Yes, it is about consensus. The proposal from the Minister, Deputy Gormley, is that there be a process leading to consensus. The Taoiseach is not confirming that but is saying we will have a meeting to share information, with the Government going off to make its decisions. I have not yet heard the Taoiseach say it is the Government's intention to engage in a process with the Opposition parties which is aimed at reaching a consensus on the budget. That process leading to consensus involves committing to reach agreement with the other parties, with all-party agreement the result. I have not yet heard that from the head of the Government.

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