Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

There are two points in response to what the Deputy said. The information should be made available in a structured way. In recent years, we have aimed to do that through the TSG process that has provided the costs with regard to indexation. On foot of the Deputy's amendment, I will make sure this is done in on a regular basis through the TSG process so that everybody is aware of the costs of that measure. I do not believe we should do it through the summer economic statement because it sets out the parameters of the budget, whereas the Deputy is looking for information regarding choices in the budget. I will make sure that is available through the tax strategy group process. I differ not so much with the Deputy's amendment but a point he went on to make. We should take care in making this an automatic decision. It should be a conscious political decision on budget day and as part of the budgetary process regarding whether this is something that should be done or not. I know from engaging with other finance ministers in Europe that making this an automatic decision can in harder times cause difficulties and crowd out other choices a government might want to make when developing a national budget. I agree with the Deputy's point on information and believe we can do it in a different way and meet the Deputy's need, which is why I am not accepting the amendment. I believe this should always be a conscious policy decision that is part of the budgetary process.