Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is an interesting comment from Deputy Burton on the basis that she claims she has been making a lot of proposals in recent times. Concerning the budgetary procedure itself, we have indicated that the magnitude of the challenge facing us and the need for a stabilisation plan that will incorporate a supplementary budget will now take priority. I do not see a reason that Revised Estimates Volumes would now be published, since all of those will have to be reviewed on the basis of decisions to be taken during the course of this month in respect of expenditure issues. I would suggest that the Estimates Volumes would be printed after the decisions are taken when the budget is being brought to the House.

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