Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Dooley's proposal complements the letter we received from the Minister, Deputy Noonan. When I read the memorandum of understanding, which outlines the information that is to be given to the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council on a confidential basis at least 12 days before the budget, I felt it was important that the same privilege be afforded to this committee and to the Dáil. We should have access to the same information so that we can respond in a proper manner at budget time, rather than getting up on the day as we have done up to now. I welcome the response given by the Minister of Finance, in which he said he is amenable to coming before the committee prior to the budget to share the information in question. Deputy Dooley has clarified aspects of the information we would like the Minister to share with the committee. On the basis that the Minister is amenable to coming before the committee, we should agree to invite him and his officials to come and share with us the information that the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council will receive approximately 12 days before the budget. That would allow Members of the Dáil to respond to the budget in an informed and proper manner.