I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 to 42, inclusive, together.
With regard to savings that would arise from reductions if applied to my Department's budgetary allocation for travel and subsistence this year (Question 39), the Revised Estimates Volume makes provision for this expenditure as follows in 2014: Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) - €6.630 m; and Vote 27 (International Co-operation) - €2.300 m; Total: - €8.930 m.
The annual savings, on the basis of the reductions specified, would be as follows:
2014 allocation
|
1%
|
5%
|
7%
|
10%
|
12%
|
15%
|
17%
|
20%
|
8,930,000
|
89,300
|
446,500
|
625,100
|
893,000
|
1,071,600
|
1,339,500
|
1,518,100
|
1,786,000
|
As regards possible unspent funds (Questions No. 40, 41 and 42), while we are still only mid-way in the financial year I do not expect at this stage that there will be any under-spend in either of the Votes administered by my Department (Vote 28, the Departmental Vote; and Vote 27, International Co-operation). This applies to both current and capital expenditure.
Reductions of this kind to travel and subsistence could not be made without severe dislocation to the vital work of the Department.