Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of questions relating to programme group A. There is an estimate for legal costs under subhead A10(7) of €3.3 million. The figure in the 2013 Estimate was €3.35 million but the outturn was €685,000. When we questioned this in July we were told it was prudent to include €3.3 million for 2013 but we see the outturn is €685,000. We are back again this year with another €3.3 million. I believe that is an over-estimate and it might be overly prudent. In 2013 we were dealing with a €5 million reduction in the disadvantaged area payment but when we consider the outturn for 2013, and I did a rough calculation on the figures the Minister gave us, there was an underspend of approximately €19 million under the different programme headings, which would have offset the €5 million reduction in the disadvantaged area payment last year if we were not being so prudent in terms of the figures. Has an overly cautious approach been taken in regard to some of the figures before us? It may not be significant this year because no scheme has seen a reduction but it is something I would like to tease out with the Minister.

Regarding subhead A10(11), which is the commercialisation of State agencies, there is an Estimate of €150,000. I accept that is a small amount but there is a new line in that regard and I wonder what is the intention into the future in terms of the meaning of the commercialisation of State agencies.