Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Estimates.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

145 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the priorities of his Department for the coming years in the context of the Estimates for 2004; if his attention has been drawn to the huge interest in these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27937/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

A gross total of €457 million has been provided in the 2004 Estimates for my Department's programmes. The allocation will provide for a wide range of services including marine safety, the operations of the coastguard, seaport development, coastal protection, marine research, seafood and aquaculture development, energy conservation, inland fisheries, communications and broadcasting. The Estimate underpins my commitment to regional development, both in the area of technology and communications and in the seafood and fisheries sectors.

Effective and focused expenditure within the Estimate will ensure continued progress next year on critical priorities across the range of programmes within my brief. Overall, the 2004 Estimate shows a reduction of 1% on 2003. In effect, the 2004 provision reflects an increase of almost 4% overall when account is taken of once-off and non-recurring 2003 expenditure. Similarly, the effective increase over 2003 in the capital provision amounts to over 10%. In a challenging public finance climate, my objective has been to commit and deploy available resources to strategic priorities which contribute to economic competitiveness, sustainability, and social and regional balance.