Is the Taoiseach aware that the combination of the pay freeze, the jobs embargo and the higher tax take from the PAYE sector is creating tensions with the consequent danger of confrontation? Does the Taoiseach intend that these areas will be the subject of discussion in order to ease the tensions, for instance tensions within the ESB where a strike is looming?

That is a different matter. In meeting the Congress on this occasion we were concerned with an elaboration of a strategy for development. Deputies in this House should be reassured that Congress and the Government both see the need for the formulation and implementation of a programme of economic recovery and are entering into fruitful and constructive discussions for that purpose.