Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

As I indicated yesterday, I do not regard the traditional Estimates process as a good one and would like to consider how the process can be reconstructed in a more useful way. The Estimates volume has become a little lost as a result of the practice of publishing it on the same day as the Budget Statement, the reason being that people focus on the fiscal and taxation measures included in the budget. I am open to ideas on how we can deal with the Estimates in a different way. Given the Deputy's experience in this area, perhaps he will produce some ideas over the summer and advise us of them after the recess. I offer the same invitation to other Deputies. Other Ministers and I would welcome a better and more open debate. My Estimates are, however, fairly rigid.

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