Mr. Robert Watt:

I will deal with the second question first. Contractors must have a tax clearance certificate from the Revenue Commissioners to avail of a contract.

We are aware of what has happened to the construction sector over the past several years. The compliance challenge is increasing across the board and we have encountered a number of instances in which we were close to awarding a contract but had to step back after we looked at the financial robustness and the level of compliance of the tenderer. It is an ongoing challenge and if members wish to raise issues privately, the Revenue Commissioners would be interested in hearing them.

Up to the third quarter, health expenditure was within profile. We are working with our colleagues in the Department of Health to ensure they remain within budget. At this stage we have nothing to say in regard to supplementary funding.