asked the Minister for Defence the total amount of money allocated for his Department in 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The total sum allocated to my Department in 1986 is £289,745,000 net of which £252,415,000, which is an increase of some 5 per cent on last year's out-turn, has been allocated to Defence and £37,330,000 to Army pensions. I shall make a further statement in the matter when I present both Estimates for discussion and approval by the Dáil.

Will the Minister state if this Estimate is an increase on last year and by how much?

I indicated in my reply that the Estimate is an increase of some 5 per cent on last year's out-turn.

Will the Minister state if this takes into account an increase in Army pensions?

I am speaking of the Defence Estimate solely. Army pensions will be increased roughly by 1 per cent but the increase in the pensions attributable to wage increases would fall to be met in the Vote for remuneration.