Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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114. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the manner in which he expects his proposed forum on public sector pay, expenditure and taxation issues to operate; when it will be convened; the remit it will be provided with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12625/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The wide-ranging ranging reforms to the budgetary architecture, introduced by this Government, have been informed by the core principle that a more open and transparent process, allowing for clearer accountability and oversight, supports the efficient use of public funds to deliver effective services for citizens.

With Ireland set to exit the Excessive Deficit Procedure at the end of 2015, we will thereafter become subject to the preventive arm of the Stability and Growth Pact. In this fiscal context, the Government is now considering options, including a Spring Economic Statement and National Economic Dialogue, to further develop the whole-of-year budgetary cycle.

My Department is working with the Department of Finance on developing proposals for a National Economic Dialogue on the matters referred to by the Deputy.  In relation to the timing and format of the dialogue I envisage that it will be held mid-year and carried out in an open and transparent manner that facilitates public discussion about fiscal policy options and priorities.

With a mid-year timing for the dialogue, this would allow the discussions at the dialogue to inform the work of Government and the Oireachtas in their considerations of the Budget later in the year.