Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Only four sitting days have been scheduled after the budget, which will be announced this day week. Four days is a short period for a debate on a budget, particularly one that we expect will be exceptional. In addition, the Taoiseach replied to me to the effect that it may be necessary to have a social welfare Bill brought through the Houses and enacted before the Christmas recess if any changes to social welfare payments are to take effect at the beginning of the year. In response to the Labour Party's Private Members' Bill last night, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs confirmed to the House that there will be cuts in social welfare, which would appear to necessitate a social welfare Bill before Christmas.

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