Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy is aware, the committee charged with dealing with this matter met yesterday. We are trying to achieve a consensus. If such a consensus is forthcoming, further deliberations can be engaged in and decisions can be made. However, it would be appropriate to allow the committee to complete its deliberations. My party has submitted a detailed proposal on this matter and it is on the basis of this that we can await an outcome.

On the other issues to which the Deputy referred, the Taoiseach indicated that as much information as possible will be made available to the Opposition during the preparatory phase leading up to the budget. We anticipate that when the third quarter figures become available at the end of next week or at the beginning of the following week, information will be provided to Opposition Members.

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