Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The estimate for litigation and compensation costs is set to rise. The outrun was €3.8 million and the estimate is €5 million. Does the Minister of State have reasons for that increase?

I also wish to raise EU issues. I refer to the signing of the permanent structured co-operation, PESCO, in December and the confirmation in recent weeks of the specific projects Ireland has signed up to out of the 17 that are available. Are additional costs expected this year or next year? Will the Minister of State elaborate on those costs?

I have raised the issue of the Air Corps several times. Others have referred to a shortage of numbers. Is the funding in the Estimate large enough to cover health and safety requirements and training that have been lacking in the past? Is the Minister of State satisfied that the health and safety regime that was promised is now fully up-to-date?