Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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There are a number of options available with regard to how this could be done but I again draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that during the period, the cost of this is due to accrue. Because we are running a surplus this year of 0.2% of national income that, even with the risk we have built in, is due to rise next year and the years beyond that to well in excess of 0.5%, there are options open to the Government. Yes, we could make the decision to pay for it through taxation revenue that has been collected but I emphasise that the revenue forecasts are not done by me. They are done by the Department of Finance. Of course, there is then the choice regarding the level of surplus we run across that period. I would make the point that once we have paid for this, it is then paid for for a 35-year period and unlike current expenditure, does not become a recurring year-on-year cost. The huge difficulty is when one commits oneself to current commitments that are recurring and that one cannot get out of without great pain.