Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

I thank the Minister for attending the Seanad. I have two questions which, if answered, will inform me on how to approach my Seanad decision making with regard to public finances. I know the Seanad has no real power, but I want to be able to explain the macro-factors of the public finances to my communities. I thank the Minister for giving us an overview of the public finances.

As Senator O'Brien also mentioned, can the Minister co-ordinate the publication of the comprehensive review of expenditure with the pre-budget outlook? The Minister is known for being frank and succinct and we are beginning to trust what he says, whether we agree or disagree with his actions. I ask him to co-operate with his fellow Minister, Deputy Howlin, to publish the review of expenditure and the pre-budget outlook at the same time.

Since we are considering a pre-budget outlook for 2012 to 2015, what is the opinion of the Minister and his officials on multi-annual funding, particularly for State agencies? I am considering this based on my own experience in, for example, the Arts Council. We know that cuts are expected and that there will be a decrease in funding. Introducing a system of multi-annual funding for civil society groups would facilitate more prudent and efficient expenditure.