I understand the Department of Social Protection must do a social impact assessment of the budget. Has that assessment commenced and, if so, when do we expect to have it? Is the Taoiseach aware that the European Commission has criticised the fact that these assessments, which are quite limited, are done after the budget as opposed to before it? The assessment does not include budgetary measures, such as health and education, and the impact of indirect taxes. Will the Government consider the criticism from the European Commission? Will the Taoiseach let us know when and if the Department of Social Protection is going to do a social impact assessment of the budget?

I note the comments from Commissioner Rehn, the ESRI and the independent Fiscal Advisory Council in respect of the decisions made by the Government and the general thrust of the budget as we move towards an exit from the bailout. At its Cabinet meeting this morning, the Government approved the publication of the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill. Deputy Adams will have plenty of time to comment on that Bill and the issues contained therein. The Government has approved the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill and the Vote for the Department of Social Protection has been signed off on collectively by the Government, as it has also done in respect of all other Departments.

The Taoiseach avoided the question I asked, which was whether the Department of Social Protection would do a social impact assessment of the budget. If so, when can we expect to have it?

This is not Question Time.

We always do an analysis of Bills going through and an analysis of the consequences of every budget. That is normal practice. The Government has signed off on it and agreed this morning that the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill will be published shortly by the Minister for Social Protection. The debate will then commence in the House.

When can we expect the social impact assessment?