Derek McDowell
Question:309 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Finance the practical effect of the limitations imposed on him in the control and management of the finances of the State by the provisions of Article 17.1.2 of the Constitution; if the requirements of the subsection created difficulties in the move to a procedure where the budget now pre-dates the calendar, financial and tax year to which it will, when approved by the subsequent Finance Act, relate; and, if so, the way in which those difficulties are resolved; his views as to whether the subsection has served and continues to serve a useful purpose within the constitutional framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26041/01]