Ivor Callely
Question:66 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance the total cost implications of the Partnership 2000 agreement; and if he will give a breakdown in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7842/97]
Written Answers. - Partnership 2000.
Partnership 2000 includes an agreement by the parties of an equitable and balanced fiscal policy that incorporates an action programme for social inclusion and equality, a programme of tax reductions and a pay agreement. It is agreed that current expenditure policy will aim to keep the annual growth in gross current supply services as close as possible to 2 per cent in real terms. It is also agreed that, in keeping with the Maastricht criteria for economic and monetary union, the general Government deficit will be not more than 1.5 per cent by 1999 and the debt-GDP ratio will be 70 per cent by 1999, with a 60 per cent level to be achieved early in the 21st century.
The social inclusion and equality measures set out in chapter 4 — Action for Greater Social Inclusion — and chapter 5 — Action towards a New Focus on Equality — of Partnership 2000 will involve expenditure of £525 million on a full year cost basis.
As set out in chapter 3 of Partnership 2000, a sum of £1 billion, on a full year cost basis, is being made available for all the tax measures covered by the partnership, covering both personal and business tax measures. Substantial progress was made in this area in this year's budget.
As regards pay, the pay agreement under Partnership 2000 provides for an increase of 9.25 per cent over 39 months. Applied to the public service, the total increase in the Exchequer pay and pensions bill is estimated at £496 million on a full year basis by 2001.
Ivor Callely
Question:67 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance the repair and maintenance work which has been carried out to Leinster House in 1996; the cost of all such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7843/97]
(Mr. Coveney): I have been informed by the Commissioners of Public Works that during 1996 routine maintenance was carried out by their building maintenance service at a cost of £395,000.
In addition, the final phase of the restoration of the stonework on the Kildare Street facade was largely completed at a cost of £171,000 and painting and decoration works were carried out to the foyer and adjoining corridors at a cost of £50,800. The areas redecorated had last been painted in 1982.
As the Deputy will be aware from my reply to his parliamentary question of 25 September 1996, other major works were carried out in Leinster House in 1996, namely the refurbishment of the visitors' and members' bars at a cost of £388,000 and essential fire protection works at a cost of £331,000.