Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 October 2018
100. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of the €24 million capital allocation to the Revenue Commissioners, that is, Vote 9 of the budget 2019 expenditure report for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44465/18]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that continued investment in information and communications technology (ICT) has been a major driver of productivity growth in Revenue, as well as enabling better service levels for the public. Every year, Revenue needs to develop and implement a series of urgent ICT projects that ensure Revenue’s ICT infrastructure can support budgetary and legislative changes as introduced by the Government or the EU, very frequently within tight timeframes.
While Revenue’s capital expenditure largely relates to expenditure on ICT, it also must maintain its wider infrastructure including its fleet of vehicles, mobile scanners and other specialised equipment. In addition, it must maintain appropriate accommodation and furniture to support its 6,496 staff.
A table of target outputs for capital expenditure in 2019 is set out below.
|
Project |
Capital Allocation |
|
ICT External Development: This is to assist Revenue’s internal ICT staff in meeting the required timelines for IT projects, while maintaining the high levels of confidentiality, integrity and availability expected within Revenue’s systems. Major initiatives such as the introduction of PAYE real-time, a new Debt Management System and an Intelligence Management solution will be released in 2019. Ongoing work to implement the new EU driven Union Customs Code (UCC) system will continue through 2019 for release in 2020. A series of Maintenance & Enhancement (M&E) projects for Revenue’s existing systems will also be delivered in 2019. |
€14m |
|
ICT Hardware Infrastructure: Revenue need to invest in ICT equipment and software on an ongoing basis. Circa €6m investment covers the acquisition of both new technologies and the upgrading/replacement of end of life equipment. This also covers technologies including storage, network and other infrastructure hardware and software. All investments are subject to public procurement. |
€6m |
|
Motor Vehicles and Equipment Maintenance: This subhead provides for the purchase, maintenance and running costs of official motor vehicles, Revenue Cutters, X Ray scanners and specialised equipment (e.g. detector dogs, diesel testing kits, radio equipment). This expenditure can vary from year to year depending on motor vehicle requirements, etc. |
€2m |
|
Furniture and Fittings: This includes the provision of new furniture, repairs to existing furniture and replacing damaged floor coverings. It also includes some repairs/refurbishment of existing accommodation. In 2019 Revenue will also undertake refurbishment to accommodate additional staff for Trade Facilitation roles. This work is planned and implemented in conjunction with the OPW. |
€2m |
|
Total: |
€24m |
