Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In respect of the first matter raised by the Deputy, whatever statutory amendment is required to put that in place will be introduced. I do not anticipate any change in advance of the budget announcements but it will be done thereafter by means of whatever legislative measure is necessary.

In regard to the question on the discussions that are ongoing, I cannot anticipate when they will be concluded. We are dealing with a number of issues which were discussed earlier this week on Leaders' Questions. The Cabinet will have to meet to discuss any developments when we come to that point. I cannot anticipate the outcome but, clearly, whenever decisions are made it will be a matter of bringing them before the House during the course of that week to discuss them in full.

The third matter raised by Deputy Gilmore was the anniversary of the Murphy report. It is a matter for the Whips to determine if it is possible to provide for an update on the implementation of the recommendations outlined in that report.

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