There have been a lot of announcements and promises of the spring statement. The Taoiseach might advise us as to whether the spring statement will be announced here in the Dáil and on what date will that be. Will there be statements from the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform? Will it follow normal budget day announcements where a response from the Opposition will be facilitated? Will the Taoiseach give us some indication so that Members have an opportunity to prepare? If there are to be responses from the Opposition, will he ensure on this occasion that the two Ministers involved have the courtesy to remain in the Dáil to hear some of the statements? In the past two budgets, they upped and left the Chamber to head off to God knows where and did not even listen to the response to their budget day speeches. I ask the Taoiseach to ensure, if that is to happen next week, the Ministers remain in the Chamber at least to hear what is being said.

Time was when other Ministers used to make all such announcements outside the House in glorious surroundings. The spring statement will be announced in the Dáil on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Tuesday will be for the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the various Opposition spokespersons. The intention is that the Ministers will hear directly the contributions of the Opposition spokespersons. On Wednesday, both myself and the Tánaiste will speak on this matter. That will continue all day Wednesday here in the House - nowhere else.