Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, that is included as part of the no policy change expenditure. The remaining money is for service improvements and meeting expected needs. Many needs are expected to emerge and they do not always get included in the no policy change allocation. For example, in respect of special educational needs, it is only in June that we have an estimate of what the demand will be for the coming year and, therefore, it is not built into an automatic provision. I have to make provision for that in the Estimates process.

It is a complicated, interesting sector and I am looking forward to working with the committee. I have a great deal of expertise withe me.