Phil Hogan
Question:159 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if any Department has failed to fully comply with the new control mechanisms which he has put in place to keep public spending within target. [20934/03]
Written Answers. - Exchequer Spending.
Departments and offices are generally complying with the new procedures for monitoring and controlling expenditure introduced by the Govern ment for 2003. In particular, the monthly profiles of expenditure were submitted by Departments and offices on time, and were published last January; the information on monthly spending is being provided in a more timely manner. This facilitates better management and control by Departments themselves as well as monthly reporting by my Department to Government; the four Departments with the largest current expenditure allocations – Education and Science, Health and Children, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and Social and Family Affairs – are reporting on a bi-monthly basis to Government.
Overall, I am satisfied that Departments are generally showing the necessary discipline in regard to expenditure control this year and that the new spending procedures are facilitating a more intensive monitoring of expenditure trends by my Department and by the Government.