The annual running costs for the PIAB when fully operational were estimated at between €7 million and €8 million in the report of the implementation group set up to progress the establishment of the PIAB. Exchequer funding will be required to cover the establishment costs of the PIAB, estimated at €2 million in the implementation group's report. Cash shortfalls in the initial period of operation will be covered by Exchequer funding until the PIAB starts to break even financially. Exchequer funding requirements have been agreed in consultation with the Minister for Finance in the context of the annual Estimates process. Some €5 million has been put aside in the context of the 2004 Estimates but Exchequer funding beyond 2004 is not envisaged.