Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The reply the Deputy will receive sets out a table drawn from the NTMA annual report. It gives a total over just under €4.2 million. My Department has been working with ISIF on the most appropriate way to address issues raised by the Deputy and the Private Members' Bill, including in the context of the forthcoming future Ireland fund and the infrastructure, climate and nature fund.

I have also written to the CEO of the NTMA and to the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to seek their views. My officials had an engagement with the committee to discuss the issue. This process will allow the Government to determine the most appropriate approach to adopt on this matter. I am aware that this is a difficult situation to resolve and that it does requires time and careful consideration to get right. The timed amendment approach has provided some space to consider the intent of the Bill. I am working through the issues which arise with the legal advisers, the NTMA and ISIF and I intend to discuss this matter with the Government very shortly.

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