Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have actually expanded expenditure. The bottom line is, in terms of capital expenditure, procurement is an issue in terms of the time it can take to procure, particularly C295s. The bottom line is we are committing to a lot of expenditure, which will come on stream. It does not necessarily fall in any given 12 months. I do not accept the Deputy's characterisation of the budgetary situation.

In fact, I have made it clear to the military leadership and to the Department of Defence to keep investing in the barracks, Haulbowline and Baldonnel. For the first time ever, we are developing master plans for Baldonnel and Haulbowline to give long-term certainty to our facilities so that we can plan accordingly and spend, and that will be done with a value-for-money focus.

Just because we have €9 million or 1% left at the year, we does not throw it at anything. The Estimates the subsequent year are increased over and above the previous year. This year we have a significant increase on what we are allocated and on the output of last year. There is no issue here.

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