Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Finance when legislation will be introduced to establish a budgetary advisory council to provide an independent assessment of the his budgetary position and forecasts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1314/11]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 138 together.

In the National Recovery Programme 2011-2014, the Government commits to the introduction of a Budget Advisory Council to provide independent assessment of the Government's economic forecasts and proposed fiscal stance. This commitment is also reflected in the programme of support agreed with the EU and IMF.

The Government intends to bring forward a Fiscal Responsibility Bill in the near future which will provide for the establishment of the envisaged Budget Advisory Council and other matters. As the role of the envisaged Budget Advisory Council is to provide independent assessment of the Government's economic forecasts and the fiscal stance, I have no plans to provide for a Budget Commissioner or similar office as proposed by the Deputy's party.

I note that the proposed new budgetary timeline, including the publication of a Stability Programme Update in April of each year, should facilitate the Dáil and its relevant Committees in engaging more effectively with the budget formation process.