Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The sort of process the Deputy has outlined is very much one in which we want to engage and every effort is being directed towards it. It involves consultation, discussion and sharing as much information on the budgetary process as possible in advance. There will be an opportunity for Opposition leaders and others to be involved in the national dialogue at the end of this month. The budget scoping committee is considering precisely the issues the Deputy has raised. While the budget scoping committee will have to work out the timing issues regarding presentations by Departments, it is our intention, in so far as possible. Most Departments are still identifying priorities for 2017. The intention is to bring the discussion to the committees and have the opportunity to hear everybody's views on how the priorities will be identified and budgeted for in the 2017 Estimates.

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