Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is fair enough, but when we look at this budget, this figure and the explanation, we are left with no idea of what the components were. At least three years ago there was some breakdown but now we have no breakdown. We are not carrying out our duty to extract that information in order to impart it to those that we represent, and that is all we want to do.

It has been stated that variations in how ELS are reported make comparisons at Vote level difficult, both between different Votes and for year-on-year changes in specific Votes. What would the Department say is the best practice for reporting on ELS components? Again, that is an elaboration of what I have just been talking about. I hope that is taken on board and we are not left with less information than we had previously, especially in these times.

We were about to conclude but we are joined by Deputy Doherty who I am sure may well have some questions on his mind. We will let him know if they are a repeat of what was already asked. We will give him the floor for a few minutes.