Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right that it increases later the year. However, there is a "but", namely, that these capital expenditure figures and ceilings were set well over a year ago when we did Project Ireland 2040. As the Deputy knows, we are normally far below profile at the start of the year and we end up being above profile at the end of the year. That has been the case for capital spending since the crisis period. Last year, we came in almost on profile in capital spending. While it is possible that some projects will cost more, I am also aware that some planned projects may go ahead with slightly different timings. While this is an issue, I do not yet have a view on whether we need to change the capital ceilings. If we do need to change them, that will have an effect on other projects that we may or may not want to proceed. I will probably be in a better position to give a better view on that in July.