Update: Public Expenditure and Reform, 3rd July 2015

QUESTION NOS:  96,97,98,99,100,102,103,105

DÁIL QUESTIONS addressed to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)
by Deputy Bernard J. Durkan for WRITTEN ANSWER on 02/07/2015  

 
 
* To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he has evaluated the value of savings and reform in the context of a contribution to National recovery over the past four and a half years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 2 July, 2015.

* To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the current situation in Greece is likely to impact on his Department’s programme for public expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 2 July, 2015.

* To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent, to which he has identified any external issues which may impact on his Department’s targets in respect of public expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 2 July, 2015.

* To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which the targets previously set by his Department in respect of public expenditure and reform, relative to each Government Department, and their relevant subordinate bodies and agencies, remain on course

– Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 2 July, 2015.

* To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied that savings continue to be made throughout each Government Department, in line with good practice and prudent management; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 2 July, 2015.

* To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the current economic situation, and achievements to date, in terms of curtailment of public expenditure, savings and reform, can now facilitate a strategic programme to enhance economic development prospects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 2 July, 2015.

* To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views regarding which Government Departments are likely to experience any difficulties in keeping their current expenditure within targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 2 July, 2015.

* To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he sees prudent economic development and expansion as a means of alleviating the impact of previous curtailments in public expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 2 July, 2015.

 
REPLY.

Evaluations are carried out by my Department in respect to the value of savings and reform as part of an ongoing process.  There has been a wide range of reports and guidelines published, which are available on my Department’s website, along with links to other related websites. 

In addition the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) is an integrated cross-Government service which enhances the role of economics and value for money analysis in public policy making.  IGESS staff operate in designated economic evaluation units and are engaged with almost all Government Departments. 

As the Deputy will be aware, managing the delivery of public services within agreed budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and Department to ensure that Vote-level allocations are adhered to while at the same time ensuring that they continue to provide essential services and respond appropriately to increasing demands.  My Department continually monitors voted expenditure throughout the year to compare drawdown of funds from the Exchequer against published expenditure profiles. There is regular communication with all Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within agreed allocations. I report a monthly analysis of spending trends to Government, and we publish information each month as part of the Exchequer Statement.  The position at the end of May showed a gross total expenditure underspend against profile.  The end-June position will be published later today as part of the Exchequer Statement.   Expenditure will continue to be monitored closely for the remainder of the year so as to ensure that our fiscal targets are met.

The Deputy will note that in 2014, the economy expanded by 4.8% to become the fastest growing economy in Europe, with domestic demand and personal consumption now contributing to economic growth. In relation to external issues impacting on the economy and in particular the situation in Greece, this is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance, Mr Michael Noonan.  However, I understand that  financial market developments in the euro area (outside of Greece) have been relatively calm in recent days, suggesting that firewalls created and governance changes made during the crisis are operating effectively.  This is a situation which will continue to be closely monitored.