Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are several moving parts but the Government can indicate a statement of principle. The Government could state that it believes the benefits of the deal should be extended to the public, that there should be a dividend to people and that people should be given some form of relief. The Minister is saying he cannot speculate and I realise that is the traditional position of Ministers for Finance. However, other colleagues in government have been categoric in stating that the deal will have an impact on the budget next year and that people will feel the difference. I have a duty as an Opposition spokesperson to put that question, albeit many months before the budget. At a minimum the House can give an indication that this deal is valuable and that it will result in a difference in the budget for next year. That is the question I am putting forward.

See this speech in context