Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a journey or process. First, we have the growth forecast which is the starting point, from which we will move on and incorporate the data in our budgetary forecast and plans for the next three years or so. The big change for Ireland is that while we were in a programme, we did not have to participate in this process, but we will be integrated with everybody else for the first time.

It is expected that Ireland will receive CSRs. It is too early to say, but based on our contacts with the Commission, it appears that issues that were addressed in the EU-IMF programme but not fully resolved will feed into the recommendations. In addition to taking a country-specific approach when formulating CSRs, the Commission also uses a thematic approach. Therefore, a number of member states will receive similar recommendations. All member states receive recommendations on their public finances. We will, therefore, most likely receive a recommendation to continue on our current path of deficit reduction. It will be a reaffirmation of the targets we had, for example, reducing the deficit below 3% of GDP by 2015. The follow through from the programme is to continue the structural reform of the economy. Then there are items pending. For example, the legislation to reform legal practice is one of the major Bills to be introduced. A series of amendments were made on Committee Stage of the Bill some time last week. That issue will be mentioned, but we are on target to fulfil that reform. The detail of the CSRs is not important but the fact that we will enter the mainstream. I do not know whether Ireland will be subject to a country-specific review. There will be 16 reviews and may be a review of Ireland, but that is the norm rather than the exception.