Mr. Seamus McCarthy:

Yes. The Dáil sets a limit on the amount that can be spent under any Vote. The Department of Defence, in respect of pensions, has exceeded that by an amount of €23,299. It took in more money than the Dáil allowed it to spend. Therefore, the money is there but the Department cannot apply it. There is, technically, an open situation in respect of the €23,299. The procedure involved is that I report this to the Committee of Public Accounts. If the committee is satisfied with the explanations provided by me and the Accounting Officer, it forms a view that it is appropriate or not appropriate and reports the matter to the Dáil and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. If the Minister is likewise satisfied, he can then bring a motion in the Dáil approving the excess Vote and asking the Dáil to vote that specific sum.