Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
154. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the capital allocation of €13 million in 2018 to his Vote group by project; the proposed allocation of €17 million in 2019, by project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35216/18]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a capital allocation in the 2018 Revised Estimates of €13 million across its two Votes (Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade). Under the National Development Plan 2018 - 2027, it is proposed that my Department will have a capital allocation of €17 million in 2019, representing an increase of €4m on the 2018 capital allocation.
The Department’s capital expenditure priorities for 2018 include the ongoing implementation of the Passport Reform Programme, as its online services are further expanded beyond the adult passport renewal service launched last year; continued investment in the State’s global property network including the commencement of the development of a new Embassy/Ireland House facility in Tokyo; other Embassy projects, including ongoing maintenance, security improvements and health and safety improvements and the maintenance and enhancement of the Department’s ICT global communications network and new ICT system enhancements.
I can confirm to the Deputy that, in line with the priorities as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, and building on work in 2018, the Department’s strategic capital investment priorities for 2019 will be as follows:
- Measures in support of the Global Ireland Plan;
- The Passport Reform Programme;
- Investment in ICT infrastructure; and
- Investment in the State’s global property portfolio.
The main projects to be undertaken in 2019 will be the further development of an Embassy/Ireland House in Tokyo, the continuation of the Passport Reform Programme and the ongoing development of the Department’s global ICT network.
Decisions on final allocations by area will be consistent with value for money principles and will provide clear benefits for the State.
