Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I am a literal substitute today. My colleague, Deputy Clarke, could not be here but really wanted to be. I am very much voicing the questions Deputy Clarke would have put to the Minister.

On Vote 35 on pensions, it is my understanding that it is the only Department where pensions are not included in shared services. My colleague has concerns that that gives an overall impression that the defence budget is higher than it is. I was wondering if the Minister could comment on that.

Something I noticed, because I am new to this, is subhead A4, payments to spouses of veterans of the War of Independence. That is interesting for those of us, like me, who are new here. I was wondering if the Minister could provide a breakdown. Do we know how many are in receipt of that?