Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As a member of the Government one assesses memorandums coming from various Ministers with line responsibilities in these areas. There is a considered analysis of approach into what is required or the pluses and minuses of a particular proposal. It would only be in such a context that I could give an opinion. As Taoiseach I can only give the considered opinion of the Government if it considered the matter. Speaking as Taoiseach and speculating on something where there was no prior notice and where there is no supplementary material would not be very sensible.

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