Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The view expressed is not only the view of the Opposition. It is important to reflect that the sentiments expressed by the Deputies who have spoken and to which I add my support, were also reflected by members of the Taoiseach's party. Everyone recognises that this is a flawed way of doing business. As a member of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service, time and again we have underlined how unsatisfactory it is to deal with the Estimates months into the New Year which makes the process nothing more than a charade.

It is important that this issue is finally addressed. I encourage the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, to take the issue to heart and address it and to reflect the expression of views from their party and all the Opposition parties over several years of which I am aware from my experience here. It is time to change the process. As a former Minister for Finance, the Taoiseach might ensure this will happen.

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