asked the Minister for Finance the issues, if any, discussed by the interdepartmental tax strategy group since summer 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23717/98]

The tax strategy group, as was the case in previous years, has discussed a wide range of papers concerning all major tax items, including PRSI and other social welfare items related to tax policy issues. The Deputy will appreciate that the publication of details of which items have been discussed by the group would not be appropriate in the lead up to the budget.

This illustrates only too well that the Minister has been debating in a tax strategy group for six months various issues of tax policy. This is a smokescreen. This business of budget secrecy prevents us from even asking the Minister what he is thinking.

The tax strategy group is a group made up of officials from various Departments. Decisions relating to budgetary matters and tax matters are in the remit of the Minister for Finance. The tax strategy group does not make decisions as to what tax increases or decreases should take place. That is a matter for the Minister for Finance and the Government.

If it does not make the decisions, why will he not tell us what it is and has been discussing?

In the lead up to a budget it would be unhelpful to have unwarranted speculation about various tax matters. One should leave these in the capable hands of the Minister for Finance and the Government.

I give up.

Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.