Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 November 2016
133. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of all contingent assets in his Department and in agencies under his Department where amounts can be owed but are not listed in the national accounts as an asset; if he will further provide a full breakdown of each category of contingent assets and the estimated amounts in the category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34077/16]
View answerMy Department is responsible for two Votes, Vote 27 (International Co-operation) and Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade). There are no agencies under the aegis of the Department.
Insofar as Vote 27 is concerned there are no contingent assets held by the Department.
Regarding Vote 28, the only contingent asset is a very small one relating to arrangements whereby citizens are repatriated at State expense in exceptional situations. The types of situations are varied and usually relate to persons with serious illness, destitution or where there is a serious concern for the welfare or safety of individuals.
Persons assisted are obliged to sign an undertaking to repay the amount advanced to the Department, with every effort made to recover the amounts advanced.
In 2016, eight citizens have received assistance to-date under the repatriation budget at a total cost of €3,325. €1,672 has been recouped so far this year and has been remitted as Exchequer Extra Receipts.
In 2015, six citizens received assistance under the repatriation budget at a cost of €2,697. €2,215 was recovered in 2015 and remitted as Exchequer Extra Receipts.
