Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy asked a wide range of questions. The report submitted to the EU is one that is submitted every year. I would be delighted to assist Deputy O'Donnell, as I offered to assist Deputies Bruton and Burton, in furnishing all relevant economic data and forecasts which will be in the possession of my Department in early October, so that we can all discuss an appropriate budget for Ireland. I appreciate that Members on the other side of the House want to be informed as comprehensively as possible about the forecasts my Department will make for 2009. I do not have a difficulty furnishing to the Deputy the maximum possible amount of information in my possession in regard to forecasting, subject to the constraint in respect of confidentiality of strictly budgetary matters.

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