In the period January to October 2004, my Department has spent a total of €1.025 billion or 73% of its Voted allocation.
Details are as follows:
Subhead
|
|
€ million
|
A.1 to A.11
|
Administrative Budget
|
199.5
|
B
|
Research and testing
|
15.0
|
C
|
Food Safety, Animal Health/ Welfare, Plant Health
|
130.5
|
D
|
Market Supports Operational Costs
|
19.1
|
E
|
Income Support in Disadvantaged Areas
|
227.4
|
F
|
Rural Environment Protection
|
150.3
|
G
|
Early Retirement/ Installation Aid
|
67.3
|
H
|
Development of Agriculture
|
22.4
|
I
|
Forestry
|
81.6
|
J
|
Teagasc Grant in Aid
|
87.0
|
K
|
Bord Bia Grant in Aid
|
12.7
|
L
|
Bord Glas Grant in Aid
|
2.5
|
M
|
Food Aid Donations
|
4.8
|
N
|
Other
|
4.9
|
Total
|
|
1,025
|
The Estimates procedure is intended to ensure that adequate financial provision is made for the provision of public services and the implementation of Government programmes and policies. Budget consumption is not in itself an aim, although every effort is made to provide prudent Estimates which are as accurate as possible, having regard to the variables which can affect the level of expenditure.
In the case of my Department, the bulk of voted expenditure relates to demand-led schemes and activities and budget consumption is in many instances contingent on participation by farmers and other clients in such schemes.