Public Finance Procedures.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004

Thursday, 20 May 2004

Questions (146)

John Bruton

Question:

146 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Secretary General brought to his attention all relevant financial consideration for decisions being taken in accordance to relevant sections of public finance procedures; and if a decision was taken in recent times where the Secretary General did not have an opportunity to comply with this aspect of public finance procedures prior to a decision being taken or announced which had financial implications. [14964/04]

Written answers

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

The public financial procedures set out, among other matters, the responsibilities of accounting officers. The Secretary General of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is the accounting officer for the Vote of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

In accordance with his responsibilities under those procedures the Secretary General ensures that all relevant financial considerations are taken into account and, where necessary, brought to my attention where they concern taking of decisions or the development of proposals relating to income or expenditure for which he is accounting officer.