Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not have the precise number of claims but it is significant. It is important that the profile of these claims is factored in. Many of them are not ready for settlement, and those that are ready are in the course of being settled. This year we have had an expenditure of almost €15 million. I will try to get the Deputy a breakdown of the profile of claims. Many of the outstanding claims of some years standing mentioned by Deputy Fitzpatrick relate to cases that are not ready for settlement because of ongoing negotiations and the exchange of paperwork between the claimants and the State. However, every effort is being made to ensure that the cases ready for settlement can form a basis for settlement. As I said, a sum of €15 million has been expended this year.