I propose to take Questions Nos. 353, 372 and 373 together.
The savings arising in 2013 and 2014 from the changes to the child benefit scheme which were announced in budget 2012, are €70.65 million in each of those two years.
The Revised Estimates for my Department provide for expenditure of €20.55 billion in 2012 on the wide range of schemes and services operated by the Department. This expenditure represents 39% of Gross Current Government Expenditure and impacts in some way on almost every single person and business in the State, either directly or indirectly.
The Comprehensive Expenditure Report published last December, provides for additional new expenditure reduction measures of €1,033 million over the next two years in the Department of Social Protection’s budget.
This includes €540 million of new savings to be achieved in budget 2013. Reducing overall expenditure in 2013 and beyond in line with these targets will be very challenging. No decisions have been made at this stage as to how these targets will be met. The Government will finalise its consideration of the budget over the forthcoming weeks and the level of expenditure by my Department in 2013 will be announced on Budget Day.
Looking ahead to the budget, I will strive to ensure that the burden of resolving the fiscal crisis does not fall disproportionately on those who depend on income supports from my Department.