The budget debate will take nearly three weeks of Parliament's time, starting off on 17 November with the presentation of the budget and continuing with marathon sittings that come to an end with the final vote on 4 December.

The House Business Committee has agreed that after Finance Minister Edward Scicluna presents the government's plans for 2015 on 17 November, Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil will reply a week later, on 24 November.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will speak on the following day, with debates on the various ministries to start on 26 November.

There will be morning, afternoon and evening sessions until 4 December.