James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Finance the reason an unelected person is permitted to examine documentation relating to the budget deficit when elected opposition politicians are not permitted to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38005/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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There are many documents related to the budget deficit that are not confidential. My Department has not provided any confidential documentation in relation to the budget deficit to the person referred to in the Deputy's question. As is well known, I have always consulted widely, and confidentially, on matters related to my brief which helps ensure that I have as broad a perspective as possible.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Finance spokespersons from the Main Opposition political parties met with officials from my Department on Monday last, 18th October, to receive a confidential briefing on the macroeconomic and fiscal context in which the four-year budgetary plan, to be published in the first half of November, is being prepared.