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Economic Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2018

Tuesday, 3 July 2018

Questions (117, 118, 119, 120, 122)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his preferred options to meet ongoing social and economic requirements in the context of current and capital expenditure in line with prudent management but placing sufficient emphasis on important structures such as social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29373/18]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which appropriate ratios of current and capital expenditure are progressing in line with best practice in order to ensure ongoing economic growth alongside adequate social provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29374/18]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which Ireland's economic performance remains in line with the most desirable best practice while maintaining competitiveness at home and abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29375/18]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his priorities to achieve best economic practice here over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29379/18]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if particular Departments or bodies under their aegis have been recalcitrant in regard to compliance with best practice in terms of expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29381/18]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 to 120, inclusive, and 122 together.

Sound public finances are essential to support sustainable economic growth in the State. As outlined in the Summer Economic Statement, published last month, the Government is determined to ensure that the budgetary strategy is based on steady increases in public expenditure underpinned by stable and predictable tax revenues. To deliver on this objective it is essential that expenditure increases to deliver improvements in services are affordable and sustainable over the medium-term. This will require prioritisation and realism in the allocation of resources and a focus on the extent to which public spending is delivering on key policy objectives.

As such, as the economy has recovered, Government has provided for increases in public expenditure in recent years. While increases in expenditure have impacted broadly across all sectors, a particular focus has been placed on ensuring the areas of Health, Housing, Education and Social Protection are sufficiently funded to support the Government’s social goal for a fairer and more inclusive society.

It is imperative that these additional resources are managed in a prudent and efficient manner by each Government Minister and Department. Therefore, officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are in regular contact with all Government Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within the overall fiscal parameters and there is reporting to Government on expenditure levels. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is monitored against published expenditure profiles and this information is published each month with the Exchequer Statement.

The Government must prioritise spending that mitigates risk, enhances the resilience of the economy and raises our growth capacity. In this context, the Government has set out its vision for Ireland over the medium term through the publication of Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan. With this plan, investment levels in Ireland will continue to increase at a sustainable rate and modern public infrastructure will be delivered over the coming years which will improve the lives of people throughout Ireland and allow our companies and economy to continue to compete in a globalised world.

Furthermore, it is also important that we continue to reform and enhance the way public services are delivered. This can be achieved by applying management accountability, raising efficiency, technological progress and other means. By better aligning inputs with outputs, we can ensure better value for taxpayers’ money and improve the efficiency with which these monies are allocated. The spending review, which will be published in July, will be critical in this regard by supporting an evidence based approach to policy, and helping to ensure the consistent evaluation of existing expenditure through systematic reviews of expenditure programmes across all sectors of Government.

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