Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

It is important that we have clarity and stability in budgetary matters and in the political life of the country. However, the Taoiseach has brought anything but clarity to this matter in his replies, both to Deputy Kenny and to myself.

It is not in the country's interest that the budgetary process be prolonged until the end of March. It is not in our interest that we have a three to four month period of instability, doubt and lack of clarity as to whether or not the budget is to go through. The budgetary process is not completed, as the Taoiseach knows, until the Finance Bill is enacted. Last year, that was done at the end of March.

I asked the Taoiseach his intention, with regard to the Finance Bill in particular. I presume the other legislation, such as the Appropriation Bill, will be passed before Christmas. Last year, the Social Welfare Bill was passed before Christmas. It is not acceptable or in anybody's interest that the budgetary process be strung out for three or four months. Uncertainty and instability for that length of time is not in the country's interest. Deputy Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he would bring forward the date of the budget. He declined to do so. I ask him to tell us clearly when he sees the end of the process. When does he envisage the Finance Bill being completed?

My second question is the one I asked the Taoiseach earlier and to which he has not responded. He has told the House a number of times that the constitutional responsibility for bringing forward and putting through a budget rests with the Government. Given the announcement made by the Green Party yesterday and the statements made by some Independent Deputies, does the Taoiseach consider that he has a sufficient majority on his side of the House to put through the budget and the legislation that goes with it?

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