Mr. Mark Griffin:

Unfortunately, the Department has to deal with a range of court cases at any particular time in which it is either a defendant or a notice party. Many of them fall into the category of judicial reviews of various decisions made and in certain circumstances could lead to a liability on the State. We do not have EU infringement cases likely to give rise to a penalty in the short term, but given the level of activity on issues being negotiated at EU level and agreed, directives or regulations which fall to be transposed on certain occasions and EU measures to be implemented, it is something on which we always have to keep a close eye. We do this as part of the work of the management board and aim to deliver on the objectives of the directive or regulations in transposition or implementation. We aim to ensure risks do not materialise. It is a standard provision in the appropriation account, but there is nothing pending in terms of an immediate threat for the Department.