Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On what might emerge from the European Union proposals, we do not have all the details yet. When they are published they will be assessed. There is work ongoing across all the main Departments to try to determine what Ireland will ultimately receive in respect of those measures. However, we do not have sufficient detail at this point. It will be the end of September before the energy ministers meet again to conclude and sign off on that. That will be after the budget. In bringing forward the budget we are not relying on any particular sum of money that we expect to receive. We are saying that any additional revenues received by Ireland will be used to help people, households and businesses. It would not be fair of us to give an estimate that we cannot stand over at this point. That is a straight answer to that question.

On the second question, the Deputy knows the answer. It is a matter for the party leaders. There will be plenty of time after the budget for them to discuss all these issues and come to final decisions.