The Fiscal Advisory Council has published a weighty and substantive report on the current situation of the economy and, in particular, on debt sustainability and policy regarding consolidation of the public finances. It makes serious, if somewhat unpalatable, recommendations. What concerns me is that the only response from the Government to date has been to the effect that it is not bound by the council's decisions. We are all agreed that in the current climate the establishment of the Fiscal Advisory Council is welcome in terms of providing objective independent advice to the Government and the Oireachtas. Would the Taoiseach agree to a structured debate on the report by putting it before the House and inviting Members of the council to the relevant committee in order that members could flesh out the content of the report in greater detail?

They are coming in.

It is somewhat disconcerting that there has been an almost nonchalant dismissal of the report because it raises serious issues in regard to our current trajectory. Whatever one's perspective, we need to discuss it.

Will the Taoiseach indicate when he will publish the Thornhill report on property tax?

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government confirmed that it has been with the Government since June. Given the significant debate on the matter in the media and among the public, the publication of the report would be of benefit.

Can the Taoiseach confirm whether the order to delegate ministerial functions regarding primary care has been laid before the House? If not, when does the Taoiseach intend to lay it before the House in order to delegate responsibility for primary care matters to the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Róisín Shortall? We were all under the illusion that had happened and that the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, had been delegated statutory authority, but we have learned, from freedom of information documents revealed to The Sunday Times, that she had asked on numerous occasions for such delegated authority only to be denied it by the Minister for Health. Can the Taoiseach tell the House when that ministerial order will be laid before the House?

I would have no objection to the Fiscal Advisory Council report being debated here and reported to the joint committee. That debate would be worthwhile. It could be tied into an economic debate in the House about circumstances as we move ahead.

The Thornhill report has been with the Minister for some time. It will come to Government with the Minister's recommendations and the decision to publish it will then be made.

Could it not be published now?

I will keep the House informed as to when that will be. The Minister will come to Government first with his recommendations arising from the Thornhill report.

So much has been published by the Government, through leaks and otherwise, about this tax. The Government announced something else today. Surely, the easiest thing would be to publish it.

I am not nominating a date for its publication.

This is obfuscation again.