Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016
348. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full-year savings for 2017 from reducing spending on professional fees by 10% in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14108/16]
View answerFor the Deputy's information, professional fees have been taken to refer to payments to accountable persons from whom Professional Services Withholding Tax has been deducted in respect of professional services provided.
I am advised that if spending by my Department in 2016 on all services that are subject to Professional Services Withholding Tax were maintained at the levels observed in previous years, then it is estimated that a reduction of 10% in the associated fees would result in a reduction in expenditure of the order of approximately €1,300,000 per annum.
It is the policy of my Department to minimise to the greatest extent possible, expenditure on professional fees.
