I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
The Government's Comprehensive Review of Expenditure sets out the following expenditure ceilings and savings for the Foreign Affairs Group (Votes 27 and 28):
|
2012 (€ million)
|
2013 (€ million)
|
2014 (€ million)
|
Total allocations for gross current expenditure
|
724
|
733
|
719
|
Savings measures introduced in 2012
|
55
|
56
|
56
|
Savings remaining to be specified (cumulative)
|
|
44
|
94
|
The savings measures introduced in 2012 will result in savings of €56m annually for each of 2013 and 2014. These savings arise from reductions in the allocations for development cooperation, support for Irish emigrants and the reconciliation and anti-sectarian funds, and from the closure of three overseas missions.
Additional savings measures to be specified for 2013 and 2014 are under active consideration and will be disclosed in due course as part of the normal Estimates process.