Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
924. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if additional revenue will be available to supplement the fiscal space from live register savings in 2016; when he will announce any such additional space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26017/16]
View answerThe Social Protection Vote Group's gross voted expenditure estimate of €19.6 billion for 2016 takes into account anticipated reductions in expenditure compared to 2015 arising from changes in the Live Register. On a monthly basis, my Department monitors voted expenditure versus profile. The analysis of gross voted expenditure published with the end-August Exchequer Statement, shows that overall Social Protection gross voted expenditure of €12.97 billion was €25 million or 0.2% below profile. Spending associated with the Live Register is largely on profile at the end of August. This expenditure will continue to be monitored over the coming months.
The Mid-Year Expenditure Report published in July, sets out the Pre-Budget Ceiling for the Department of Social Protection. The amount included in this ceiling reflects certain demographic pressures primarily relating to the State Pension and anticipated savings from reductions in expenditure on the Live Register. As part of the Budget Estimates process, the forecast of changes in Live Register related expenditure and changes in other Social Protection scheme expenditure is subject to reassessment. This assessment is ongoing and will be considered in the context of the preparation of the Estimates for 2017.
