Bernard J. Durkan
Question:266 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to commitments made by Government which may result in expenditure not provided for in the 1999 Estimates. [5688/99]
Written Answers. - Fiscal Policy.
Work on the preparation of the revised estimates for public services and the public capital programme is well advanced. The effect of all decisions leading to changes in the 1999 Estimates which have arisen since the budget, as well as changes arising due to estimating or technical factors, will be included in these documents which I plan to publish around the middle of March. The allocations in the revised Estimates will be based on the Goven ment's 4 per cent limit for the growth in net current expenditure.
Since the budget on 2 December 1998, a number of additional expenditure pressures have emerged, many of which have arisen due to estimating or technical factors. Where the Government has taken decisions involving additional costs, for example, in the case of the additional aid package to deal with fodder difficulties in agriculture, it has sought, in so far as possible, to identify savings to offset these additional costs in whole or in part.
I will continue to monitor the position on 1999 expenditure closely during the year. The Government will aim to ensure that additional costs which may arise are met within the allocations provided for in the 1999 revised Estimates.