Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

No self-respecting government will cede its legitimate authority unless and until we are into a general election period. In terms of coming to an accommodation on these matters there is a need to be sensible. I know the Deputy might be able to say we are just lagging along here; a lot of important work has to be done. There are four Finance Bill-related pieces of legislation and other legislation which is at an advanced stage.

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