Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

What is required at present is an injection of confidence into the national mood and this is precisely what the Government and the trade union leadership provided last night.

It behoves all Members to contemplate for a moment the importance of what happened at Croke Park. Members should consider how prospective investors in Ireland or those who already have money invested and who have provided such important employment will reflect on what is happening. I have the feeling that the draft agreement will be accepted by the membership. The reason I say this is, with an ear to the ground, it is quite clear the public sector is the engine of the economy and the State at present. The trade union membership knows full well that everyone has a contribution to make to the recovery and I believe that as the leadership of the trade union movement has reacted positively, the membership will do likewise.