Departmental Expenditure.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2005

Tuesday, 29 November 2005

Questions (508)

Richard Bruton

Question:

497 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the projects which have been subjected to detailed cost benefit appraisal in the past six months; the benefit cost ratio which emerged from this test; if he has satisfied himself that projects being selected not only pass this test but represent a better return than competing uses for the same limited funds; and the way in which this process influences the size of the capital envelope for different project areas. [37358/05]

Written answers

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

I take it that the Deputy's question relates to major capital projects which must be the subject of a detailed cost benefit analysis in accordance with the guidelines for appraisal and management of capital expenditure proposals in the public sector.

The guidelines require that a cost benefit analysis be carried out on certain projects valued at over €5 million; and on all projects valued at over €50 million. There were no capital projects in my Department that fell within either category during the past six months.