Publication of the Book of Estimates
Lenihan asked when the Book of Estimates would be published. Barrett said it would be issued when ready and suggested future procedures for preparing Estimates could be considered by a committee.
Just to bring reality into the proceedings, would the Minister tell us what is happening in regard to a significant aspect of Dáil reform, publication before the end of the year of the Book of Estimates? Again to add reality to my question, would he inform us when the Book of Estimates will be published?
Comment on this
(Dún Laoghaire): The Book of Estimates is a matter for the Government. It will be published when it is ready. Amendments to procedure are circulated to us when they are ready. I hope we have learned quite a bit during the last four years in relation to the preparation of Estimates. I cannot see why some new procedures cannot be devised by the incoming Dáil. Personally, I consider the matter should be put before one of the committees.