Vol. 567 No. 5
223 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will publish the details of the capital projects being initiated during 2003 by his Department and planned for the following four years; and the current estimate of the final cost of the projects in each case. [14457/03]
The Department of Foreign Affairs has limited capital budgets under Vote 38 – Foreign Affairs – and Vote 39 – International Co-operation.
In the case of Vote 38, the capital budget is used, in the main, for the purchase and maintenance of Irish offices or residences abroad and for the development of the Department's information and communication technology, ICT, infrastructure.
The purchase of property abroad is reviewed by the Department on an ongoing basis with decisions to purchase being based on a thorough assessment of the costs and benefits involved, on local conditions and on the availability of resources.
A capital sum of €3.1 million is being sought for 2004 and €5 million for subsequent years in order to purchase and maintain suitable property, in other countries, on behalf of the State. No such projects have been initiated in 2003. No new ICT capital projects will be initiated during 2003.
A smaller amount, €1.5 million in 2003, is allocated under Vote 39 for the maintenance, purchase or development of Embassy premises in countries where there is a significant Ireland Aid programme. Some €1 million will be spent in 2004 on the completion of a new premises in Mozambique, the construction of which was initiated in 2002.
