Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If I am reading what the Minister said correctly, he has received a report on the outcome of the conciliation and arbitration process in which agreement has been reached between the parties and that it now rests with him and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to agree that the State will incur whatever costs are to be incurred. I exhort the Minister to expedite a decision in this matter. Many of the young people affected by this issue have effectively had their lives on hold for quite a period of time and are not able to plan for the future. They find themselves in these circumstances at a time when the financial pressures on them are probably greater than they will be at any stage in the future. They are carrying heavy mortgages and, in many instances, have children in education; therefore, they are feeling the pressure. The Minister appreciates the importance of bringing the matter to a conclusion. If he could he give us an indication of the timeframe about which we are talking, it would be helpful.

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