Mr. John McKeon:

I might ask my colleague, Mr. Lawler, to speak in a moment. He is head of our finance function and can probably give the committee more details than I.

In terms of our finances, we are a demand-led Department. People have entitlements to payments and services under the law if they experience certain contingencies, for example, unemployment, disability, etc. If extra financing is required that is not provided for in the Estimates, the Department will typically bring forward a Supplementary Estimate because it is not an option not to pay people.

The Deputy asked a question relating to Covid-19, its variants and so on. The Government takes decisions, as it did recently to reopen the PUP, based on the situation and the Department always stands ready to deliver on the Government's decisions. The Covid illness scheme is still in place. This recognises the impact of the current infection rate even if the impact of Covid is not as severe on people because of vaccines. For example, I am self-isolating at the moment and can still work. Last week, we received approximately 8,000 claims for the Covid illness payment. Once people are certified, they get the payment.

Regarding the general financial situation, does Mr. Lawler wish to discuss this year's Supplementary Estimate and the Estimate for next year?