Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

In view of the changing global economic environment and the slowing domestic construction sector, the prospects for employment have weakened in 2008. In July of this year my Department forecast that survey-based unemployment would average 5.8% this year. My Department is currently updating its economic and fiscal forecasts in the context of the latest information that is becoming available. Accordingly, updated forecasts for unemployment this year and for 2009 and 2010 will be published on budget day, 14 October.

However, as I indicated to Deputies Burton and Bruton, I am anxious that the Opposition spokespersons be given every possible assistance in respect of economic forecasting and while a definitive forecast will be given in the budget, whatever information is at the disposal of my Department following the completion of the third quarterly review will be made available to the Deputies.

See this speech in context