Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Nash. After the summer, the Commission will be launching a public consultation with regard to the future of the fiscal rules. As the Deputy will be aware, the fiscal rules are suspended until 2023 through the activation of the general escape clause. I differ somewhat from Professor Thygesen and the assessment of the fiscal advisory board. I believe some changes and reforms will happen but the rules have already demonstrated that flexibility is possible when the economic circumstances merit it. That has been proven by what we have been able to do over the past two years. The process, however, is that a public consultation will kick off in August or September in which all politicians across Europe, including those in the European Parliament, will play a role in putting their views forward.