Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In this supplementary question I wish to ask about the non-pay Vote. Something in the order of €60 million in non-pay additional funding seems to be very little in terms of the equipment requirements laid out, if we are going to do anything. The cost of the replacement of the two maritime aircraft would gobble up that amount. Would consideration be given to going down the road of setting a capital sum aside, as Germany has done?

There was a €5 billion surplus last year. A once-off capital sum could be put aside for infrastructure and equipment needs. We are talking about recruiting personnel, which is important, but we have to give them the best infrastructure and equipment to do their job.

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