Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

Absolutely. Payment is dependent on verification of results and I expect it will be strongly adhered to.

The Government agreed to pay terms which are generous by comparison with those in our trading partners and which will, over the period of the agreement, provide protection for living standards. In return, we can expect the trade unions to deliver on the commitments entered into, in particular, that there will be industrial relations stability. Of all the difficulties we face, that is one we do not have. I note today that all French air traffic is stalled. One can imagine the massive blow that is to the French economy. People may say the pay terms are a high price to pay but they are warranted to guarantee industrial peace in terms of wage difficulties.

Sustaining Progress is a further continuation of the social partnership process. Social partnership has served the country well over the past 15 years and benefited all sectors of the community. It provides a process which allows the social partners to address current problems which we all face while also addressing long-term issues affecting the future of the country. In adopting the social partnership approach, we have acknowledged that we value the contribution of the social partners in the development of a better society for all.