David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Minister. I propose to go through each of the subheads, as before. Under Vote 35, Army pensions, the first subhead is A1, administration - pay. There is a slight reduction under this subhead. Subhead A2 relates to payments by way of pension and gratuity lump sum to former members of the Permanent Defence Force and their dependants. Again, there is a very slight reduction under this subhead. The anticipated number who will receive payments this year is 11,670. Subhead A3 deals with wound and disability pensions, and allowances and gratuities to or in respect of former members of the Defence Forces. There is an allocation of almost €9.5 million under this subhead, which is an increase of 8.7%. Subhead A4 is payments to dependants of veterans of the War of Independence. Clearly, the number in receipt of this payment is reducing year on year. Subhead A5 covers compensation payments. I understand a contingency fund is in place in this regard but is rarely drawn down. Is that correct?