Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

As Deputies are aware, significant changes have been made to the arrangements for the forthcoming budget. The Minister for Finance intends to publish the Estimates at the same time as the Budget Statement. Opposition Deputies, including finance spokespersons, do not receive a copy of the Budget Statement until the Minister rises to deliver it in the House. It used to be the case that Estimates were published approximately three weeks before budget day. Line Ministers used to give press conferences in their Departments explaining the Estimates and outlining their budgetary proposals for the following year. Will the Minister arrange a detailed briefing for Opposition finance spokespersons in particular, so we can understand how this year's budget will be dealt with? This item will also be of significance to the media.

The Minister for Finance will produce a statement of between 100 and 200 pages, outlining his budget and his Estimates. Nobody other than the members of the Cabinet will be notified in advance about the contents of the Minister's speech. It will be extremely difficult for Opposition finance spokespersons and line spokespersons to identify the Minister's intentions, particularly in respect of Estimates provisions. The outlook that was published recently deals only with existing levels of service. It is important that the Government co-operates with Opposition finance spokespeople. Arrangements should be put in place well in advance of budget day so we can ascertain how the budget will be dealt with.

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