Mr. Tom Byrne:

With regard to the PCRS figure, the target for savings at the start of the year was over €383 million. The shortfall is in the region of €70 million, of which €41 million came from delayed implementation of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act. Another €30 million comes from the shortfall in local schemes delivery, which are mainly demand-driven. There is a low level of discretion with regard to aids and appliances issued across the system. In his opening address the Minister covered the actions we are taking to address the matter.