Opposition questions value of Dáil pre-budget debate

A PRE-BUDGET debate will take place in the Dáil on November 17, but its value is being questioned.

Fine Gael and Labour last night said they did not expect the Government to reveal any significant details of its budgetary strategy during the debate. As a result, the main opposition parties said they would refrain from giving details of their own proposals until closer to Budget Day on December 9.

The debate was announced last night by Government chief whip Pat Carey, who pledged the Coalition would listen to all political views on the issue.