As I indicated in my address during the Presidency Budget Vote, we are working in earnest to conclude our negotiations on a social compact.
The engagements are taking place within the context of NEDLAC, which is a statutory forum for social dialogue.
We set ourselves the ambitious target of 100 working days to signal the urgency with which we need to find common ground on difficult issues that have wide-ranging implications for our economy. While all social partners share the same goals of inclusive growth and employment, there are differing views on how to achieve those goals.
We are determined that the social compact should be substantial and meaningful and make a real difference to the trajectory of our economy. We are therefore pushing ahead to achieve an agreement that is inclusive and lasting.