Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I heard the interview with the Minister for Finance yesterday morning on "Morning Ireland". There was no question but that he was extremely critical of the Croke Park agreement and previous social partnership agreements. The Taoiseach's speaking note aside, has he heard the interview or read a transcript of what the Minister said? Would he agree with the very strong criticisms the Minister aired on the national airwaves yesterday morning?

Whatever the views of the Minister or the Taoiseach - I am anxious to hear what he has to say - would he not accept that, to all intents and purposes, he has torn up the Croke Park agreement by the passage last week of facilitating legislation to reduce the minimum wage from a date in the new year? That is a critical element.

Would the Taoiseach also accept that he has flittered up the Croke Park agreement by the measures he introduced in the budget last week? They will have devastating consequences of people on low and middle income levels and those dependent on social welfare. What prospects does social partnership have into the future against the backdrop of an agreement and then the total unravelling of all the essential elements and understandings-----

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