Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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224. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to further reform the budgetary process; and if he is considering establishing an Oireachtas budgetary oversight office or budgetary scrutiny committee. [8215/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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There have been significant changes in the budget process over recent years as a result of the "Two Pack" and other reforms to the Stability and Growth Pact. These changes included moving the Budget date to October in coordination with other EU Member States. The Government is always considering initiatives that would improve the budgetary process, particularly in relation to multi-annual planning. In this context, the Government is also considering the introduction of a Spring Economic Statement, which would incorporate the Stability Programme Update that must be submitted to the European Commission by the end of April each year.

The Deputy may be aware from my reply to a recent parliamentary question that I am considering a proposal for an independent office that would provide costings of alternative budgets on request from members of the Oireachtas. At the moment, my Department provides costings in regard to taxation proposals on a confidential basis to assist parties in advance of general elections or budgets. However, these costings are limited by being provided on a static, individual basis without analysis of the general government implications or potential second round economic effects.

Various models of this type of service and body already exist internationally, including independent bodies or offices under the aegis of parliaments. My current thinking is that this should by done by a unit within the ambit of the Oireachtas Commission and that it should then be independent of the Government and the Department of Finance.