Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Finance the dates on which his departmental officials were made available to members of the Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Féin parties, between 1 November 2010 and 5 February 2011 for detailed briefings on the economic and fiscal outlook. [15566/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Department of Finance officials were made available to members of the opposition at the request of the Minister for Finance last year. These briefings were held throughout the month of October prior to the publication of the National Recovery Plan. However, there were no detailed formal briefings on the economic and fiscal outlook to members of the Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Féin parties between 1 November 2010 and 5 February 2011.

From time to time, Department of Finance officials are requested to meet with opposition members to help further their understanding of certain issues and this would occur on an ad hoc basis. This occurred on a number of occasions over the period in question. The Department has always endeavoured to provide assistance, where possible and appropriate, to the political system.