Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am trying to be frank. I am not playing games. Deputy Gilmore has asked my opinion and I am giving it. That is what I think is a realistic timescale for the legislative measures that have to be taken. My view is that they will be completed in the month of February. We will continue to work through these issues in the proper way. It is important that we get this job done and that we focus on the budget to be brought forward.

Finally, Deputy Gilmore asked if there would be support for the budget. I believe there will. The House knows and understands the situation. I thank the leaders of the main Opposition Parties for the spirit in which this information was received. Official advice and confirmation of the situation, in terms of the seriousness of what we need to do in the present situation, is available to both Opposition leaders. I ask everyone to reflect on that and I thank everyone for the calm and considered manner in which we have had this discussion.

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