Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)

The Minister will be aware that the previous finance committee gave substantial submissions regarding the formation of the new fiscal rules at EU level, some of which may be relevant in terms of the question of assumptions, for example, the issue of preventative expenditure and the idea within our fiscal assumptions that we identify areas whereby early expenditure will have a preventative effect that prevents later expenditure. This is somewhat different from simply framing within an investment and profit return frame. It is more expenditure and expenditure avoided. This will be a significant piece, particularly in the climate context and in terms of prudent risk-proofing. Perhaps that is one we might engage with. It is something we have looked to in our work plan.