Ms Louise McGirr:

I can only say that it was sent. I cannot confirm whether anyone was aware of it but it was sent at official level. There was ongoing discussion between the negotiating team for a long period of time in the lead-up to the budget. As is normal in the course of the budget negotiations, we start with a number, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform has a different number and the negotiations go on for some time. The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform was aware of our Department’s position and the letter came from Mr. Gloster just on the eve of the budget. The number had been finalised at that point.