On the Order of Business yesterday the Taoiseach indicated that he might be willing to allow for a debate in the House following the report by the Irish fiscal advisory council on the state of the economy. Given his challenge to me earlier about the need for different sides to outline their alternative ways of dealing with the deficit and debt problems, will the Tánaiste confirm that the Government will allow for a debate on the financial situation we face running into the budget and what the options might be in regard to taxes and so on to deal with the State's financial crisis?

I can confirm that it is our intention to have a debate in the House on the economy and provide for an opportunity for Deputy Boyd Barrett and other Members to set out their proposals.

I look forward to it.

The business for next week is settled. The referendum Bill will be taken but the Government Chief Whip is considering this debate and will arrange time for it.