I note reports of progress in negotiations between the unions and the Government under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. Some media reports indicate the Government has dropped some of the more anti-family and anti-women aspects that led to the defeat of the proposed Croke Park II deal. Does the Government intend to introduce legislation to cut the pay of public sector workers or will it now take this opportunity to assist the talks by taking that threat off the table?

I will not go into the details of this. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has pointed out clearly that the savings of €300 million are required this year and contingency legislation is being prepared in that regard. The chief executive of the LRC will issue a full report to the Minister when the ongoing negotiations are concluded. It would be hoped that everybody can join in these discussions and negotiations and that we can have a negotiated agreement in respect of reaching our targets, getting our country moving and sorting out the problems we have. This is challenging for everybody and I hope the discussions under way will result in a successful conclusion to the Croke Park II negotiations.

As I understand-----

I know the Deputy wishes us well.

I do wish the Government well, but is the legislation going ahead?

There will be no legislation until we see.