Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take that point. It is important that we drill down and find out exactly why these costs are increasing. There is a legislative basis for the charges to the SIF that is set out in the Social Welfare Act. The specific mechanism used to calculate the amount charged as appropriations-in-aid to the Vote is approved by the Comptroller and Auditor General. I presume that is on the process and that everything is above board. The cost ratio is what the Chair is interested in looking at.

There has been an increase in the pension contributions and that drives up the administration costs on the SIF. There has been an increase in the medical costs. There was an overspend of €6 million in 2023 against the provisional outturn of €43.5 million. The medical certification is demand led so any variances in any illnesses in the general population impact the level of demand for certificates. Some €37.5 million was the original in the 2023 budget. It was increased by €6 million and it will come out at €43.5 million. Calculating this is a complex process, as I understand from speaking to the officials. I think what the Chair wants, which is right, is the different cost of providing it. I think we can do that.

Explaining how it is worked out is complex but I do not see any reason we cannot get a list of the different costs relative to the different things we do in the SIF, whether pensions, medical certificates or whatever else. That is a fair question. I will ask my officials and we will provide more detail on that.