Emmet Stagg
Question:19 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if the capital spending programme is on target for the year; the likely outcome for the year; the key underspends to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25794/03]
Written Answers. - Capital Expenditure.
The provision for capital spending in 2003 is €5.5 billion. Whilst capital spending at end October was less than the profile published last January, current indications from Departments are that spending is broadly on target for the full year. There is a likelihood of some small underspend.
It is too early at this stage to be definitive. Capital expenditure is especially susceptible to timing factors and it normally accelerates in the final quarter of the year.