Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Deputy is aware of the background to this. I am disappointed it was not possible to get agreement among the social partners in this regard. I expect the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will bring the Bill before Cabinet next week. Obviously, it will not now be published until after Christmas.

In regard to the reduction in the redundancy rebate, the reasons for this measure were outlined yesterday by the Ministers for Social Protection and Public Expenditure and Reform, including that this country is out of line with OECD countries in respect of that matter.

See this speech in context