Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The complaint from the Opposition would then be that the Minister was not allowing a debate to take place. The issue is that the Minister for Finance will outline the budget and refer to the various documents that will be provided to people. Ministers, in line with their responsibility, will convey the situation as it applies to them. A democratic debate will ensue both inside and outside the House.

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