Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I assure Deputy Burton that I am not wasting vital weeks. The reason for bringing forward the budget to Tuesday, 14 October is the gravity of the situation in terms of our national finances and this year's deteriorating economic position. That deterioration has been reflected in a sharp reduction in forecast tax revenues. I appreciate that Deputy Burton and, I am sure, Deputy Bruton would wish to be better informed of the fundamental economic framework prior to budget day.

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