Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I held consultations and all Ministers were aware that I would be introducing a wider range of recommendations to my discussions with the social partners. No one Minister was involved. In our discussions with the social partners we focused on key recommendations. The recommendations to which the Deputy referred have not been excluded and are receiving due consideration. Many of them are simply improvements in the effectiveness of operation. They were not included because they did not represent contentious issues. All of the recommendations will be given due consideration before the final paper is brought to Government for a decision.

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