Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not have all the detailed up-to-date positions in respect of the Croke Park agreement implementation body. It has met seven times to date, meets regularly and I understand its next meeting is due on 23 December. That body is available to deal with issues referred up to it, rather than with all the issues. The body exists to ensure that the existing sectors resolve problems consistent with the agreement in a timely and appropriate way. It has met key bodies such as the managements of Departments and general secretaries of public service unions, as well as a wide range of people in different sectors on a bilateral basis. It also has met key bodies in this area, including the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court. Chairs have been appointed to the sectoral bodies from the implementation body, including Mr. Pat Harvey in health and Mr. Dan Murphy in local government.

The bodies have met a number of times. The Civil Service body met recently and a chairperson has been appointed for the other sectors. Mr. David O'Callaghan represents education, Mr. John White represents State agencies and Mr. Michael McCloone represents prisons. The sectoral action plans for effecting the change set out in the relevant sectoral agendas contained in the agreement are being reviewed by the implementation body. That is the most up-to-date information they have on that.

On the previous part of the Deputy's question on social partnership-----

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