Michael Ferris
Question:32 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself that confidentiality was properly maintained in relation to the tax provisions of the 1992 budget, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Confidentiality of Budget Measures.
I have absolutely no reason to believe that there was any breach in the strict confidentiality that has always characterised my Department's preparation of the budget measures and of the related budget documentation. However, if the Deputy considers that he has any evidence to the contrary, I would ask that he place it in my hands, and I will see to it that it is immediately investigated.
At the same time, I would point out that in the weeks before any budget there is always extensive speculation in the media about what it is likely to contain, and that since a wide range of options is covered in the speculation, some of the forecasts will inevitably be correct. The 1992 budget was no exception, and I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that the commitment in the reviewed Programme for Government that the tax reform programme would be carried out at no net cost to the Exchequer through “...a systematic curtailment of the vast range of exemptions, shelters, allowances and concessionary tax rates on a phased basis...” inevitably led to a particular focus in pre-budget speculations, this year, on the options for reducing or eliminating such reliefs.