I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 to 289, inclusive, together.
An allocation of some €264m has been provided to my Department's four programme areas in 2014 as follows:
-
|
Current
|
Capital
|
Total
|
Arts, Culture & Film
|
100,654
|
37,295
|
137,949
|
Heritage
|
32,864
|
12,426
|
45,290
|
Irish Language, Gaeltacht & Islands
|
32942
|
8,467
|
41,409
|
North-South Co-operation
|
35,271
|
3,977
|
39,248
|
Total
|
201,731
|
62,165
|
263,896
|
As of 30 June 2014, my Department’s expenditure amounted to some €121.4m. This represents approximately 96% of the published expenditure profile.
I am committed to ensuring that the maximum value is derived from my Department's budget in terms of maintaining, promoting and protecting Ireland’s heritage and culture, developing cultural tourism, advancing the use of the Irish language, supporting the sustainable development of the islands and fostering North-South co-operation. The progress of spending across the Vote is monitored on a continuous basis through the year in order to ensure the optimal use of the available financial resources.
It is anticipated that expenditure across the Vote in 2014 will remain broadly on target to year-end.