Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I shall speak first to give Deputy Jonathan O'Brien a chance to catch his breath. I ask the Minister of State to set out the amount being transferred in from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, ISIF. It was stated that it can be up to €2 billion. As set out on Second Stage, however, it is €1.5 billion. What is the procedural position? When is that due to happen? It has been stated that each year from 2019 to 2023, €500 million will be set aside. That has been given statutory affect. When will that happen in 2019? I would also like the Minster of State to comment on the "what if" situation of Brexit going badly wrong. I refer to making a decision not to proceed with the rainy day fund at this time if it is deemed to be not prudent because we need the money to support the agriculture sector, etc. Can such a decision be made? What flexibility is there in regarding the execution of this fund in the context of the current challenges?