Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have two very minor points. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform made a reference that Europe will not have the decision made on the detail of decoupling in terms of energy costs and the level of funds will come back to Ireland. The Minister is giving a commitment, really, that this decision will be post budget, and that we may have a situation where further measures may be announced on energy post budget that are directly related to the share-out of windfall taxes in Europe. I am assuming that is a commitment.

My second point is for the Minister for Finance. A figure of €1.05 billion is being put aside for taxation measures. Does the Minister anticipate that changing in the budget? Will that be the level to which they will come? Has the Minister an idea of the general parameters around how he will frame that?

The Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, dealt with the energy costs earlier. Am I correct that there could be, dare I say it, a separate measure very soon after the budget and on top of the budget specifically dealing with the outcome of the extra supports that come from Europe based on the structures that are being put in place at the moment?