Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Clearly, from what has just been said, this consensus continues, in which I must say I am glad I have no hand, act or part.

I appeal to the Minister before he leaves - I notice he was nodding his head in rejection of the fact that the ESRI has come out the morning confirming, as has ICTU, the community and voluntary sector and a growing number of economists that the Sinn Féin position that what we have argued is indeed correct - not to put pride before prudence in terms of giving real assessment and analysis to the arguments being presented if we are going to have an opportunity to have a proper debate here in the coming week. Coming in with closed minds to the alternative arguments being presented by other voices certainly will not aid and abet the objective of getting the right answers. The Minister's whole disposition this morning-----

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