Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not possible at the moment to do what Deputy Durkan asks for a variety of reasons that will be outlined by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, as part of the July stimulus initiative. The Department of Finance data for this quarter and forecasts for the remainder of the year and spending will be as accurate as is possible. While we have seen a significant reduction in regard to those claiming one or other of the supports put in place for the pandemic, which is very welcome, our economy continues to be in a very vulnerable situation. The Minister, Deputy McGrath, and the wider Government will have to take this into consideration as they approach the preparations for the budget, discussions around which will begin as soon as the Dáil resumes following the recess.

On the specific elements of the Deputy's question, we will probably be able to get a better picture of the emerging situation once the new Departments have been configured and are able to present their own policy initiatives to the Dáil, together with their legislative platform. Together with the figures produced by the Department of Finance and the Central Statistics Office in particular as to how our economy is likely to progress between now and the end of the year, the data the Deputy is requesting will become clearer at that stage.

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