Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With regard to what the Governor of the Central Bank had to say, he and many others have been revising not only national forecasts but international forecasts. Last week we also saw this in the European Commission. It is important to acknowledge that the situation creates a very serious challenge for this economy, as it does elsewhere. It is particularly the case for Ireland and we intend to address the issue in the supplementary budget.

With regard to the question raised by Deputy Kenny on any views the Opposition has or interaction that could take place, this would be a matter for the finance spokespersons and the Minister for Finance. I must say, and Deputy Kenny is aware of this, that budgetary matters are confidential. They are within the Government remit in terms of——

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