Ms Laura McGarrigle:

I will give an initial answer and my colleague will then respond if more detail can be provided. The interdepartmental group prepared detailed and costed proposals which the Minister brought forward to Government. In approving the proposals for the scheme the Government has approved the overall expenditure associated with the scheme, which is estimated at €800 million over its life-cycle. That has been approved by the Government and it is recognised that this funding has to be provided to deliver the scheme. Heads 3 and 6 are standard provisions which acknowledge that, in setting matters such as expenses and the annual allocations, the relevant Ministers would always have to consult, and obtain the agreement of, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. They are standard legislative provisions, as is the intention here, that marry with our standard processes around the Estimates and budgetary process. There is upfront approval for the proposals and their cost. This includes the cost of a medical card for everyone who is entitled to one, which will have to be met through the scheme.