Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 229: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will establish a body, similar to the Congressional Budget Office in the United States, tasked with the preparation of comprehensive, independent and non-partisan budget projections and costings of budget measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12708/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have no plans to establish a body similar to the US Congressional Budget Office.

The Department of Finance provides comprehensive, independent and non-partisan budget projections and costings of Government budget measures. The Department of Finance also offers the facility to political parties of costing proposals in the context of general elections and in the formulation of programmes for Government.

I am satisfied with the performance of my Department, especially in light of the extraordinary demands placed on it in the period since I came to office.