asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the effect to date in his Department of the adoption, at the request of the Minister for Finance, of programme budgeting; and if he will indicate the difference between the new procedures and those existing previously in his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Programme Budgeting.
66.
As announced by the Minister for Finance, programme budgeting is being introduced in Government Departments on a phased basis with the intention that it be operational in all Departments by 1976. The work being done in developing the system in my Department, which commenced last year, is still at an early stage and it will be some years before it can be fully operational and its effects assessed.
Under the programme budgeting system, activities are grouped into programmes which are related to defined objectives and the output or results expected to be achieved by these programmes are shown in conjunction with the appropriate expenditure data.
What has actually happened in the Minister's Department since this was introduced?
Not a great deal, actually, except that certain areas of activity were grouped together under single heads. Tentative estimates were made of the requirements of these particular groups and in the preparation of the Estimates this new grouping system was put into operation. A great deal has not been done yet.
Does the Minister think it will mean anything in the long run?
I do.
What difference will it make?
The situation at present is that in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, at any rate, the staff resources are being fully extended by the preparations that are necessary for entry into the EEC.