Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 8

Written Answers. - Departmental Entertainment Expenses.

Mervyn Taylor

Question:

17 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the amount of his Department's budget for entertainment expenses for each of the last five years together with the estimated figure for 1992; and if he will make a statement on the trend indicated and on the matter in general.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

My Department's budget for entertainment expenses for each of the last five years, together with the estimated figure for 1992 is as follows:

	£000
1987	12
1988	13
1989	12
1990	205
1991	65
1992	55

I would point out that the budget figure would not necessarily be the same as the outturn figure. For example, the outturn for 1991 was only £26,000, due to the deferral of a number of planned activities. The increased figure for 1990 relates to the responsibilities involved during Ireland's Presidency of the European Community.

I am satisfied that the procedures applied within my Department ensure that there is proper control over expenditure in this area.