Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My understanding, from the State Claims Agency, is that if it settled every claim in the morning, it would mean that from all Departments it would be between €4.2 billion and €4.3 billion, of which €3.8 billion concerns the healthcare sector. In view of the increase of €95 billion for this year, can we get an estimate of a breakdown over the next five years on the basis of present claims? I know that the number cannot be a comprehensive figure. If we increase the amount by €100 million per annum then surely we need to examine the matter now and see what it will cost us over the next five years. I know that we are only dealing with the budget for 2022 here but we must also forward plan. The State Claims Agency has said that the figure is €3.8 billion, which is health related; is it not time now to look at how we deal with this over the next four to five years?