Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy has stated, I have given the reason to Deputy Kenny, which I reiterate to the Deputy, about the question of the end of November tax returns being an important part of the construction of any budget. In particular, for a budget that is being devised in these circumstances, it certainly is important that this is the case. This timeline is known to the Commission and the people with whom we are dealing and the Government will proceed on that basis. My point is that it will be possible to do this far sooner than, for example, the suggestion that the Dáil be dissolved to be followed by an election, that subsequently there be a programme for Government, whoever might be involved in that, and that people would then take up office, prepare a budget, gain Government approval for it and bring it into the House. All Members are aware that this would take a lot longer than the appointed budget date of 7 December.

I also have made the point that the discussions that have been undertaken with the European Union and the institutions concerned both since the Government formally applied on Sunday and in the focused discussions since Thursday when they arrived here, are based on and in the context of the publication of a four-year plan this week and the ratification of a budget on 7 December. This is an integral part of the process in which the Government has engaged.

The third point to make to the Deputy is that while I do not wish to anticipate the legislative changes that will be required arising from the budget announcements for obvious reasons, he is correct that both a social welfare Bill and a finance Bill must be passed. In addition, as the Deputy is aware, there is a need for an appropriations Bill in the normal way to ensure that payments can be made into the 2011 period. In addition, any other legislative enactments that arise out of the budget announcements obviously also must be prepared, drafted, got ready and passed. My point to the Deputy is that it is on the basis of fulfilling all of these requirements and giving certainty to the decisions which are taken and which are ratified by the House. The Deputy then asked me what is that timeline. While I do not have to hand the exact timeline, I assure the Deputy that it all will be done with due urgency and proper procedures, not in the normal way but as quickly as possible. I am not in the business of using this situation for any personal regard for myself or any personal consideration for the Government.

Moreover, on the question of the passing of the budget, I believe it has been stated, both in terms of external and internal confidence in the country, that the greatest statement of confidence we could make is to adopt such a budget with the correction of the magnitude of which the Government is speaking. It is a matter of personal responsibility for all of us to decide if the country is to put through the budget or not.

Of course, I recognise political differences between us on many issues. I do not question - although it was questioned of me and never withdrawn - the motivation of people as they look to the national issue. This is a matter of national importance to us all, for the country, for our future and for the future of everyone. I am saying that openly. We have to discharge our duty. We will do that and we will come to the House with the budget. I am hoping there are sufficient people in the House to see that it is in our national interest to ensure that the budget is passed.

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