Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has raised two distinct and separate issues. I strongly agree regarding the social contract for the past 30 years, which my party has consistently focused on to develop. The input of people from Brendan Corish to Frank Cluskey to Michael O'Leary and others in the employment area is testament to the contribution my party has made to advancing the terms and conditions of workers, particularly women, in this society.

It is an inescapable fact that we are in unprecedented times and need to save money. This can be done in a variety of ways. The Deputies opposite oppose virtually everything we suggest, as is their prerogative.

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