asked the Minister for Finance the reason in many departmental Estimates for 1988 a provision is made for office premises expenses when no such a provision was made for 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Office Premises Expenses.
72.
Responsibility for certain office premises expenses such as heating, lighting, office furniture and fitting out costs, is being transferred from the Office of Public Works to individual Departments and Offices from 1 January 1988. The aim of this measure is to bring home more effectively to Departments and Offices the costs of office expenses and to ensure that these costs are taken into the reckoning when existing services are being reviewed or new services are being proposed. In present circumstances there is a need for greater economy in all areas of expenditure. The 1987 provision for office premises expenses was included in the Vote for the Office of Public Works. This Vote is being reduced in 1988 to reflect the transfer of responsibilities and allocations to Departments and Offices generally.