Ivan Yates
Question:89 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance if there will be any areas of over-expenditure in the departmental estimates and the projected out-turn for 1993 over and above the amount committed in the Book of Estimates.
Written Answers. - Departmental Over-Expenditure.
As the Deputy will be aware, the following Supplementary Estimates for 1993 have already been approved by Dáil Éireann:
|
Vote |
Additional sum required |
|
|
£ |
||
|
3 |
Department of the Taoiseach |
12,000,000 |
|
4 |
Office of the Tánaiste |
279,000 |
|
18 |
Transport, Energy and Communications |
1,500,000 |
|
42 |
An Roinn Ealaíon, Cultúir agus Gaeltachta |
1,145,000 |
|
Total |
14,924,000 |
In my statement on the Exchequer returns for the end-September quarter, I indicated that there would be some excess on non-capital supply services over and above the Supplementary Estimates listed. Despite the excess, the 1993 Exchequer borrowing requirement is likely to meet the target set in the budget, in particular as tax revenue has remained strong.
It is difficult to estimate the precise extent of the spending over-run at this stage of the year. My Department is still considering the issues in consultation with the relevant Departments. However, it is clear that health expenditure — mainly on demand-led schemes and on the implementation of the Child Care Act — may overshoot by some £30-35 million, while additional costs will arise on the Agriculture Vote as a result of costs associated with the £IR realignment. On the other hand, savings will arise on the Social Welfare Vote following the lower than anticipated live register average in 1993. The saving should allow payment of the annual Christmas bonus without increasing the general excess.