Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have not concluded our discussions in respect of that. One of the things that will determine that will be the outturn figure for this year. The Deputy has seen the published figures for the end of September, which were significantly over budget. We need to bring that back in line before the end of the year. As I said in respect of the overall deficit target, the starting point will be important. While the cash demand for next year is modest, if the base has a gaping hole from this year, the pressure in doing that will be even greater. I will have a very difficult and challenging dialogue with the Department of Health and Children between now and budget day.