Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We will be having a debate, at the prerogative of the Opposition, on the economy. We will have questions to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and this legislative proposal will be brought forward for Second Stage today and tomorrow. With regard to the charge that the Government is not prepared to do anything about the economy, we have brought the date of the budget forward to 14 October, which means that in three weeks' time we can have a full, balanced and comprehensive debate which will go on for some time thereafter.

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