As part of the Abridged Estimates announced by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, my Department has received its highest allocation ever, which will bring social welfare spending in 2004 to a total of €10.65 billion. This shows an increase of €355.5 million on 2003. Compared to 2001 the total amount committed has risen by €2.8 billion or 36%. I stress, however, that the Abridged Estimates do not include any additional expenditure which will be announced in the forthcoming December budget.