Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I have said, the budget debate often continues beyond the immediate aftermath of the budget, or the week of the budget. In my experience, that has been the normal practice in the past. A social welfare Bill is always required in the aftermath of a budget to provide for any social welfare changes that may be demanded. We will have to do that in a manner that is consistent with the budgetary strategy that will be outlined by the Minister for Finance next week. If legislation is needed after the budget has been passed, that will have to happen.

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