Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have two items to raise. The first item is a positive story for Limerick. Yesterday, I was present at an event at which Limerick city formally put in its bid to be the European Capital of Culture 2020 and I wish to commend everyone involved. It showed Limerick in the best possible light. I think a decision is being made later this week and I hope that Limerick will be announced as the European Capital of Culture 2020.

On the issue of the figures announced by the CSO yesterday, I note that there are statements on finance scheduled for 1.30 p.m. tomorrow. That would be an opportune time to debate these figures in detail. It seems rather unusual that the CSO has announced figures of that breadth. I noted in the underlying figures that consumer spending is up by 4.5%, which is a positive feature. These figures are positive but they obviously need to be fleshed out in terms of the positive underlying base. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach could communicate whether the Minister will be in attendance tomorrow to deal with a broad range of issues on finance, including the CSO figures.