Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

The bulk of the corporation tax is due today. The information for income tax should be available and there is no reason to delay the budget until 7 December. If the Government's four-year plan, which is to be published tomorrow, has the 2011 budget as the first year, can I take it that the bulk of the measures in the budget have been discussed at Cabinet level? The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, can clarify that. If that is the case, there is no practical reason not to bring forward the budget.

Our bond yields have gone up again today, although that is an unreal market, and share prices for banks have decreased. This is a major issue for the euro, and the European Commissioner, Ollie Rehn has stated he would like to see the budget as soon as possible. Deputy Kenny's proposal to the Taoiseach is eminently sensible and radical but it provides an opportunity for this House to show overall leadership, particularly in the case of the Taoiseach. He indicated that figures for income tax and other revenues would have to come in over the course of this month but the bulk of Irish income taxpayers are highly compliant, with the majority of funds already in.

What are the Minister's views on bringing the budget forward next week, allowing us to have discussions on legislative measures? We could provide certainty with an early election. International parties are looking at us now, wondering how Ireland can have a Government with a leader doing nothing more than implementing delaying tactics for political reasons. The stakes are much higher now but the Minister for Finance could ensure the budget is brought forward with immediate effect. The four-year plan will be published tomorrow and it is like the chicken and the egg; we cannot have the budget without the four-year plan. I await the Minister's comments on the matter.

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