Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

For this reason, I accept the Taoiseach's invitation to meet the delegation from the IMF, ECB and European Commission. However, I will make one specific request to the Taoiseach. He has within his grasp two dates which can restore certainty and a sense of confidence. The first of these is the date of the budget. The Taoiseach noted the importance of passing the budget. The four year fiscal plan will be presented tomorrow. The first year of the plan is, in effect, the budget for 2011. In the interests of being constructive and of certainty, stability and confidence I ask the Taoiseach to indicate to the House that he will bring the budget forward to next week. As he is aware from experience, a slimmed down version of the Finance Bill containing the key ingredients of the budget can be put through the House. I will facilitate the Government by having the House sit from Monday to Friday in order that the legislative process can be completed by Christmas. Such a step would bring some measure of certainty to a Government that is out of control.

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