The Labour party has accused the Government of privatising debate on the economy after it emerged that senior ministers are to appear at a round table discussion next month for which attendees are being charged nearly €2,000.
Labour leader Eamonn Gilmore said Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan and Communications Minister Eamon Ryan were all due to appear at the seminar organised by the Economist Intelligence Unit for which the attendance fee was €1,950.
The Labour Party leader said he had strong reservations about so many Government ministers taking part in a commercial enterprise dressed up as a public forum at a time when the Government was refusing a Dáil debate on the economy.
He asked whether Brian Cowen was now intent on privatising discussions on the national finances.
