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

First, we have to operate within the Constitution. As Minister for Finance I have to make the budgetary arrangements in accordance with the Constitution. I have no discretion in moving away from that. As we all know, to change the constitutional provisions we would need a referendum but there is no proposal before us in that regard.

I have a legal note here and can read it if the Chairman wishes.