Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will meet with representatives of all the Opposition parties to take their views and suggestions into account in advance of planning budget 2010. [37614/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to engagement with Opposition parties in the lead-up to Budget 2010, it is intended that my Department will publish in mid-November the Pre-Budget Outlook (PBO). This will set out an updated macroeconomic assessment based on the latest available data. In addition, the Pre-Budget Outlook will also set out the technical budgetary position as it is now emerging. I believe that the publication of the Pre-Budget Outlook will inform the debate in advance of Budget 2010, which will be presented to the Dáil on the 9th December. I further intend that a Pre-Budget debate will take place following the publication of the Pre-Budget Outlook, during which all Deputies will have the opportunity to present their views.

The Government has sought to engage all parties in our efforts to address the difficulties in the public finances. In this context, the reports of both the Commission on Taxation and the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes have now been published and are important inputs into the decision making process.

It must be noted that there is ongoing engagement with both Houses of the Oireachtas, as well as the various Committees, in relation to economic and fiscal matters. Furthermore, in recent weeks the Taoiseach and I, along with other relevant Ministers, have engaged with the Social Partners with a view to building a consensus for the action that is now required in terms of the need to stabilise the deficit in 2010. That said, it is the Government that will make the necessary decisions, taking all matters into consideration, in the context of the Budget in order to stabilise the public finances.

Finally, I am happy to listen to what the Opposition have to say on what their proposals are in relation to the stabilisation of the deficit in 2010.