Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to point out to Deputy Donnelly in particular that the Spring Economic Statement, which is required to be presented by the Minister for Finance, is the area where policy discussion can take place and which provides a full opportunity for every Member for debate. This paper is merely technical and statistical. There is no policy change here. A debate of some length would be required if policy changes were involved. Normally, this paper went to Brussels without any discussion here. However, yesterday when it was cleared by Cabinet, we felt it should be presented as a result of the request made by Deputy Ryan a number of weeks ago.

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