The Dáil has begun to debate a Fine Gael motion calling on the govt to accelerate this year's budget process and to have it concluded by the end of December.
Introducing the motion, Fine Gael Finance Spokesperson Michael Noonan said Taoiseach Brian Cowen increasingly resembles Macbeth in the final act - surrounded by enemies, abandoned by friends, but pledged to go down fighting.
Deputy Noonan asked if it was time to take this Dáil out of its pain.
Fianna Fáil Junior Minister Martin Mansergh said the importance of Budget 2011 makes it imperative that all sides have a chance to debate it and that it is not possible to deal with all the necessary legislation associated with the Budget during the month of December.
The motion also says that the Dáil, if necessary, should sit on each working day in December.
A vote on it is due tomorrow.
