Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

——as informed a discussion on this matter as possible. Just as the Opposition has a job to do so does the Government, within a specific time. It was never suggested that the Opposition was to write the budget any more than that the Government should close its mind to any Opposition proposals. That is the basis for a pre-budget debate which might be of assistance if people are prepared to take it on board in that light. I am sure contributions will be made in the next two days which could well be helpful. I hope that will be the case. We cannot interchange our respective responsibilities.

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