The Council held a policy debate on the draft directive. Discussion focused mainly on the outstanding issue of equal pay and conditions for temporary workers. It was recognised that further efforts would be needed to enable the Council to reach and acceptable compromise for all delegations. Accordingly, the Presidency undertook to pursue its reflections as a matter of urgency, taking especially into account the link which the European Parliament has established between this proposal and the recent Working Time proposal. The draft directive aims at striking a balance between flexibility and job security. It completes a package of measures aimed at regulating working conditions for so-called "atypical" workers. Temporary work is seen as a key factor in meeting the requirements of the reform strategy laid down by the Lisbon European council in March 2000, as it allows for both the growth of employment and increased competitiveness.