Last year two reasons were advanced for the escalation in public expenditure, one of which was domestic and the other international. The domestic reason was the impact of the restrictions imposed as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak, especially in the food, tourism and transport sectors. That excuse no longer pertains. The foot and mouth disease crisis was thankfully brought to a successful conclusion in 2001 and I commend the Minister for Agriculture and Food for that. The international factor was the events of 11 September. While it continues to overhang, its impact is nothing like as severe as it was last year.