Is there no limit on the expenditure in 1985 by the Eastern Health Board on this supplementary welfare scheme? Did I understand the Minister to say that the Eastern Health Board may pay out what they wish and at the end of the year that amount will be made good by the Department?

As a former Minister for Social Welfare, Deputy Haughey will know that we have an annual estimate of projected expenditure. In the past two or three years we have had to forecast substantially above the normal growth of such expenditure but where the costs are incurred by the health boards we get an estimated year end figure. We now have a half year estimated figure and it may be that it will be much higher at the end of 1985 than we have anticipated. If it is, there will be a Supplementary Estimate. The health board, within the framework of the guidelines, operate the system and if additional moneys are required for 1986 they will be forecasted, estimated and paid out. It is that kind of a scheme.

This is a purely factual question which arises directly from Deputy De Rossa's question. I am grateful that his question gives us the opportunity to deal with these matters. If he can explain to me how he is so successful in coming out of the draw I might be able to use that information to my financial advantage on the racecourse some day. Is the position, therefore, as outlined by the Minister that provided the Eastern Health Board stay within the guidelines, there is no limit to the assistance they make available in 1985 under this scheme?

That is the position. In the case of an industrial dispute where 800 or 900 people go on strike, community welfare officers may indicate that a small number of those on strike may receive immediate payments. We can make no forecasts; the payments are made and at the end of the year the health board are recouped. My job is to try to provide for those contingencies and, so far, we have been reasonably within target.

Is there no limit?

The Minister said that there was no limit.