Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
186 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for her Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1255/10]
View answerDetails of savings arising out of recommendations in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which are incorporated in my Department's Estimate for 2010 are provided on the table. In addition to the savings outlined on the table, further savings will be realised in 2010 through the reduction in staff numbers and in pay levels across my Department and its agencies. The 2010 Budget Day Estimates for my Department included an indicative provisional adjustment to public service pay of €39.658 million, to be apportioned across my Department, its Offices and its agencies in the Revised Estimates Volume.
My Department is continuing to examine all of the proposals made by the Special Group in respect of my Department and its agencies, to determine the scope for the implementation of the recommendations and for the achievement of further savings going forward. Some proposals, such as the rationalisation of agencies, may be quite complex to implement and may require legislative provision if they are to be achieved. There are also a number of recommendations in the report affecting my Department which will require cross-Departmental consideration. However, my Department will examine these proposals and will also look at alternative ways of finding savings which meet the general thrust of the Special Group report.
|
Recommendation in the Report of the Special Group |
Saving in 2010 |
Comments |
|
€m |
||
|
Reduce IDA capital and administrative costs, including rationalisation of regional offices in Ireland and shared services |
0.857 |
Administrative costs have been reduced by €857,000 for 2010. The question of rationalisation of offices requires further consideration.IDA’s Capital allocation for 2010 is directly related to its legal commitments. However, €10m was cut from the agency’s budget in 2009 on a once-off basis. |
|
Enterprise Ireland — efficiency saving in administration. |
3.024 |
Enterprise Ireland’s administrative budget has been reduced by €3.024m for 2010. |
|
Cease funding FÁS Services to Business and Skillnets |
6.000 |
Reduction of €6 million has been made in 2010 Estimates for FÁS’s Services to Business |
|
Abolish FÁS training allowances for participants who do not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance |
3.200 |
This recommendation is being implemented in Budget 2010 |
|
Formally merge the functions of the Registrar of Friendly Societies and Companies Registration Office and secure additional efficiencies |
0.146 |
The CRO and the RFS currently operate on a shared office basis. Legislative change is required to formally merge the bodies. The Department is currently reviewing the Industrial and Provident Societies (co-operatives) and Friendly Societies legislation. In the meantime, administrative efficiencies of €140,000 have been identified for 2010. |
|
Savings in Corporate Services; reduction in Administrative Budget. |
0.468 |
Non-Pay savings of €468,000 and substantial Pay savings in the Administrative Budget will be reflected in the Revised Estimates Volume. |
|
Total |
13.695 |
