Parliamentary questions

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects his Department to continue to meet deadlines and to continue to play an important part in economic recovery, with particular reference to the need to ensure stability and sustainable economic growth across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36722/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied that public expenditure projections remain on course and are likely to remain on course throughout the current year; the specific areas of a vital infrastructural nature which might require extra expenditure; if such expenditure remains possible while maintaining prudent management principles and objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31169/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the economy continues to benefit from public sector and general reform over the past number of years; if he expects the benefits from such reforms to continue to accrue into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31170/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which he continues to take account of and have regard for the impact of wage restraints and cost cutting throughout the public sector with particular reference to the impact on individual public service at all levels in view of the impact of the ongoing economic situation; if he envisages any particular areas that might offer some relief in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31171/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will identify the most effective policies pursued by his Department over the past five years in terms of addressing the economic needs of the country with a view to identifying the most likely and effective strategy to be followed in terms of public expenditure and reform for the future and the future economic needs of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31172/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the budget for each Department to meet its requirements over the next 12 months; if any particular measures are required to address specific issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31173/16]

Departmental Operations

Bernard Durkan

110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which voluntary retirements, ordinary retirement or redundancies throughout the public sector have impacted particularly on the ability of some Departments to deliver their services; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to address this issue in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31174/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which reform, as a component in economic strategy, continues to achieve savings in line with projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31175/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which ongoing analysis takes place throughout each Department and its subsidiary bodies to identify where any adjustments might be possible to encourage economic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31176/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position in the course of the next year to address increased expenditure requirements where infrastructural deficits have been identified which might require capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31177/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position to reward or incentivise Departments or authorities, State or semi-State bodies that have achieved particularly satisfactory results over the past four years to date in respect of targets set to achieve savings or cuts in public expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31178/16]

Flood Relief Schemes Status

Bernard Durkan

492. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the Morrell drainage programme continues to be progressed with a view to making the necessary provisions to prevent flooding of land and homes in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27181/16]

National Monuments

Bernard Durkan

493. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which progress can be reported in regard to improvement to the structure at Taghadoe Round Tower, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27182/16]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

278. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains confident that public expenditure and reform expectations remain in line with previously identified targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23100/16]

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme

Bernard Durkan

60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he has identified possible mechanisms to facilitate off-balance sheet capital expenditure in respect of strategic infrastructural deficits in such areas as energy, housing, water supply, transport or other essential requirements, given the economic benefits likely to accrue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19715/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which various measures taken to protect the economy through the medium of public expenditure, curtailments and reform have addressed the issues and delivered results for the economic benefit of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20033/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ease the impact of cutbacks necessitated by the economic downturn throughout the public sector over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20034/16]

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Bernard Durkan

181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he and his Department have examined the full implications of a UK exit from the European Union, if any particular corrective measures are likely to be required in its aftermath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20036/16]

Public Sector Pay

Bernard Durkan

182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which all branches of the public service are likely to benefit from the sacrifices made in terms of pay reduction and longer working hours throughout the economic downturn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20037/16]

Public Sector Pay

Bernard Durkan

183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the targets set by his Department continue to be met throughout the public sector in anticipation of restoration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20038/16]

Public Sector Pay

Bernard Durkan

184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the objectives set out in the Public Service (Croke Park) Agreement 2010 to 2014 and the Public Service Stability (Haddington Road) Agreement 2013 to 2016 continue to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20039/16]

Public Procurement Regulations

Bernard Durkan

185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which changes in procurement have benefitted the economy during the downturn; if any further reform appropriate to the recovery is warranted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20040/16]

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme

Bernard Durkan

186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which his Department has identified infrastructural deficiencies requiring urgent investment in the context of economic recovery such as the public housing programme, transport, energy and communications which might benefit from or qualify for off-balance sheet Government expenditure or investment; if a mechanism can be found to meet such requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20041/16]

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Bernard Durkan

187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects recruitment throughout the public sector to take place in the course of the current year with particular reference to areas currently experiencing pressure as a result of the embargo on public sector recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20042/16]

Flood Prevention Measures

Bernard Durkan

143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position to produce a flood alleviation, defence and prevention plan, in the short term, to deal with possible flood issues arising next winter and over the longer term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18776/16]

Strategic Infrastructure Provision

Bernard Durkan

44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has examined strategic expenditure to address infrastructural deficiencies in areas such as housing, health, transport, communications and education with a view to identifying how best to address these issues while meeting off-Government balance sheet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12992/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if public expenditure projections are on course and likely to remain on course in 2016; to examine areas of vital infrastructure which require extra expenditure; if this expenditure is possible while maintaining prudent management principles and objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12991/16]

Public Sector Allowances Payments

Bernard Durkan

544. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the procedure a person (details supplied) must follow to obtain a marriage gratuity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12581/16]

Departmental Policy Reviews

Bernard Durkan

566. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will encourage reform or policy initiatives with a view to maximising the potential for economic recovery and development in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13615/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

567. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he expects public expenditure constraints and reform policies, effective in the context of economic recovery, to be used as a basis for prudent economic development in the future; if he expects to implement innovation in this regard in the future to maximise economic benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13616/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

568. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all Departments and their subordinate bodies have met the targets set down by his Department in the context of public expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13617/16]

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Bernard Durkan

569. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he sees recruitment in specific vital areas of the public sector becoming a policy initiative in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13618/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

570. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the budget for each Department to meet its requirements over the next twelve months; if any particular measures are required to address specific issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13619/16]

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme

Bernard Durkan

571. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he remains satisfied regarding the availability of adequate critical infrastructure such as road, rail, air and sea transport, ready access to high-speed reliable telecommunications, renewable energy and housing; if his Department continues to monitor the availability of such facilities and plan for the future accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13620/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

572. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he remains satisfied that targets in respect of savings and public expenditure reform will continue to be met in the context of economic recovery; if he has identified particular areas of conflict in this regard; if he remains satisfied that economic recovery and retention of public expenditure objectives are not mutually exclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13621/16]

Public Sector Staff Data

Bernard Durkan

573. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons who have left the Civil Service in each of the past five years to date either by way of natural retirement or redundancy; the extent to which the national pay bill has been affected as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13622/16]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

574. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if discussions have taken place with his colleagues in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with a view to agreement on a public expenditure proposal in respect of social and affordable housing which might meet the approval of his Department in the context of public expenditure constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13623/16]

Public Service Reform Plan Measures

Bernard Durkan

575. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if reform as a component in economic strategy has achieved savings in line with projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13624/16]

Flood Risk Assessments

Bernard Durkan

125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which any assessment has been done throughout the country with a view to identifying areas of potential flooding which could be remedied by way of improved drainage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7756/16]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains confident that public expenditure and reform expectations remain in line with previously identified targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7749/16]

Public Procurement Contracts

Bernard Durkan

135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which procurement has featured in a positive way in the context of achieving savings in the course of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7750/16]

Public Service Reform Plan Update

Bernard Durkan

136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which reform, as a component in economic strategy, continues to achieve savings in line with projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7751/16]

Flood Prevention Measures

Bernard Durkan

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which procedures are in hand or measures in place or pending to address the issues of flooding that have recurred at various locations over the past number of years; when the most acutely affected areas will benefit from remedial works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7214/16]

Flood Prevention Measures

Bernard Durkan

129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress in the Morrell drainage and flood alleviation measures in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7216/16]

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme

Bernard Durkan

61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will fund strategic infrastructural projects through the concept of Government development bonds; if such a proposal will remove the charge from the Government's balance sheet, with particular reference to areas likely to require urgent and strategic investment, such as the public authority housing programme, a nationally co-ordinated arterial drainage and flood relief programme or other areas of infrastructural deficiency needing urgent attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1921/16]

Budget Targets

Bernard Durkan

187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the extent to which the principles of public expenditure monitoring and reform remain part of and a requirement of Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2353/16]

Budget Targets

Bernard Durkan

188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Government expenditure remains on target with budgetary projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2354/16]

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme

Bernard Durkan

189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the extent to which financial provision can be made for off-balance sheet funding of vital infrastructural projects that may be necessary, such as arterial drainage, flood relief, emergency housing or other vital and unforeseen issues meeting expenditure; if Government bonds may be a resolution in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2355/16]

Public Sector Reform Implementation

Bernard Durkan

190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the extent to which reform will remain central to Government policy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2356/16]

Budget Targets

Bernard Durkan

191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the extent to which specific provisions will be required to trigger area warnings in the event of a departure from good practice in respect of spending or departure from reform principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2357/16]

Budget Targets

Bernard Durkan

192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the extent to which he has observed tendencies by Departments or bodies under their aegis to exceed expenditure guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2358/16]

Budget Targets

Bernard Durkan

193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if particular tendencies or issues relating to over-expenditure by Departments have been brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2359/16]

Budget Targets

Bernard Durkan

194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the extent to which he can incentivise all Departments and public bodies to follow good or best practice in respect of public expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2360/16]

Budget Targets

Bernard Durkan

195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the savings directly and through the principle of reform achieved by his Department over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2361/16]

Budget Targets

Bernard Durkan

196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the extent to which he has achieved the targets set in respect of public expenditure and reform five years ago; if future targets will be met in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2362/16]

Flood Prevention Measures

Bernard Durkan

117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to define the appropriate response to the continued flooding since the beginning of the winter, whether by way of a comprehensive arterial drainage programme incorporating all forms of drainage, with particular reference to areas that have not received any such attention for many years or ever, in conjunction with flood defence measures, thereby maximising the economic benefit of the appropriate response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1807/16]

Flood Prevention Measures

Bernard Durkan

118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the overall approach to flood risk management here; how this is to be progressed, identifying the most appropriate flood alleviation methods for a particular area, such as river drainage, and ensuring that we, as a country, spend efficiently and get value for money in addressing specific concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1808/16]

Flood Relief Schemes Status

Bernard Durkan

119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the Morrell River drainage scheme remains a priority, with particular reference to the need arising from flooding over Christmas 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1812/16]

Drainage Schemes Status

Bernard Durkan

245. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which funding will be made available to facilitate the various and ongoing flood alleviation and drainage proposals throughout County Kildare, with particular regard to the beneficial impact of the work to date and the need for a satisfactory conclusion of the programme as put forward by Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1267/16]

Flood Prevention Measures

Bernard Durkan

191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if and when the necessary funding will be approved for drainage and flood prevention works associated with the Morrell River in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44084/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

8. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects his Department to continue to meet deadlines, and to continue to play an important part in economic recovery, with particular reference to the need to ensure stability and sustainable economic growth across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40575/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

10. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects the targets set by his Department to be met by all Government Departments in the course of the coming year; if he is satisfied that prudent relaxation of expenditure curtailments will drive economic progress, without creating inflationary tendencies, or threatening competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40574/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

77. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied that sustainable economic targets remain attainable, given the need to remain competitive nationally and internationally in the aftermath of the economic downturn inherited from his predecessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41082/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

78. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects the measures that he announced in budget 2016 to continue the economic recovery and achieve the objectives set out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41083/15]

Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he may be further in a position to assist in dealing with the housing crisis inherited from his predecessors by way of government bond, as a means of ensuring the availability of the required funding in the housing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41084/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

80. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects the relaxation of budgetary restrictions imposed by the troika to manifest themselves in the context of increased demand and restructuring of the economy, and other steps taken in the context of budget 2016, by way of significant improvements and opportunities likely to emerge in the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41085/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

81. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied that future Governments will not be allowed to undo the benefits accrued from the economic sacrifices made by the Irish people in the past seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41086/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that he and his colleagues' efforts in relation to public expenditure and reform will continue to remain the guiding principles of management of the economy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41087/15]

Public Procurement Regulations

Bernard Durkan

83. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which good public procurement practices continue to achieve savings in the public interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41088/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he continues to monitor the performance of all Departments and bodies under their aegis, with a view to ensuring the maximisation of the benefit achieved through the sacrifices of the Irish people in the course of the economic recession, with particular reference to the need to ensure continued economic good practice in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41089/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

85. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which each Department and its subordinate bodies and agencies have continued to meet their objectives in the course of the efforts towards economic recovery and full employment in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41090/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the benefits accruing from the Haddington Road and Croke Park agreements are in line with expectations, with particular reference to the need to ensure the targets are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41091/15]

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme

Bernard Durkan

87. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he and his Department have identified the vital infrastructural projects in respect of which he expects progress over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41093/15]

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Bernard Durkan

88. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which recruitment throughout the public service has reopened, with particular reference to the need to replace positions lost during the economic downturn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41095/15]

Public Sector Reform Implementation

Bernard Durkan

9. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the economy continues to benefit from public sector and general reform over the past number of years; if he expects the benefits from such reforms to continue to accrue into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33310/15]

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme

Bernard Durkan

23. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which, following the Croke Park and Haddington Road agreements, he and his Department have examined the possibility of approval for prudent and strategic expenditure, with a view to addressing those areas most severely affected by curtailments during the economic downturn; given the need to maximise the opportunities in the future and to consolidate economic gains to date, if investment will be made in infrastructure, such as the M7 Naas-Newbridge-Sallins bypass upgrade, an enhanced local authority housing programme; if education and health services can be facilitated along with a restoration of incomes in some form for the general public, in recognition of the sacrifices made since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33309/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

87. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which public expenditure remains on target and in line with the criteria laid down in the memorandum of understanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33892/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

88. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied with the extent of the economic progress made in the area of public expenditure and reform and the degree to which he expects the general public to benefit from the sacrifices of the past seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33893/15]

Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform whether he sees a requirement for specific options that might be pursued to facilitate the alleviation of the housing crisis which has built up over the past 15 years while keeping within the off balance sheet requirements; whether the Government will consider a development bond to address the growing problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33894/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider the specific measures which might alleviate the pressing needs in the areas of housing and health, while at the same time remaining within the terms of the memorandum of understanding which he inherited from his predecessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33895/15]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

91. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to indicate whether he remains satisfied as to the extent to which public expenditure and reform will continue to remain a fundamental part of the economic framework in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33896/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied that the prudent relaxation of some areas of expenditure might be beneficial to economic progress and continued recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33897/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

93. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which prudent public expenditure and reform will continue to be a part of economic progress and continued recovery in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33898/15]

Public Service Reform Plan Update

Bernard Durkan

94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he and his Department have identified areas requiring further reform in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33899/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he continues to remain satisfied with his ability to maintain prudent spending policies in the context of the 2016 Budget, while at the same time meeting the most urgently required expenditure requests likely to come from his and other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33900/15]

Fiscal Policy

Bernard Durkan

96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which, in the context of Budget 2016, he will be in a position to acknowledge or reward the sacrifices made by the particular sectors which have contributed heavily to economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33901/15]

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Bernard Durkan

103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if and when the necessary funding is likely to be approved for drainage and flood prevention works associated with the Morrell river in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32477/15]

Flood Risk Assessments

Bernard Durkan

236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which any assessment has been completed with a view to identifying areas of potential flooding which could be remedied by way of improved drainage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29671/15]

Budget 2016

Bernard Durkan

7. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he continues to remain satisfied with his ability to maintain prudent spending policies in the context of the 2016 budget while at the same time meeting the most urgently required expenditure requests likely to come from his and other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26387/15]

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme

Bernard Durkan

11. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any further consideration will be given to the possible use of Government bonds to fund areas of urgently required infrastructural expenditure which might otherwise negatively impact on the Government's balance sheet in 2016; if any consideration has been given to specific areas which might benefit from such strategic expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26388/15]

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme

Bernard Durkan

95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he sees the possibility of prudently selected public capital works such as hospitals, schools and road projects being advanced as a means of achieving further economic expansion while keeping within prudent guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26823/15]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he has evaluated the value of savings and reform in the context of a contribution to national recovery over the past four and a half years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26824/15]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the current situation in Greece is likely to impact on his Department's programme for public expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26876/15]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he has identified external issues which may impact on his Department's targets in respect of public expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26877/15]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which the targets previously set by his Department in respect of public expenditure and reform, relative to each Department and the relevant subordinate bodies and agencies, remain on course. [26878/15]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied that savings continue to be made throughout each Department in line with good practice and prudent management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26879/15]

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme

Bernard Durkan

101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which his Department has examined the prospect of the use of Government development bonds as a means of funding vital infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26880/15]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the current economic situation and achievements to date in terms of curtailment of public expenditure, savings and reform can now facilitate a strategic programme to enhance economic development prospects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26881/15]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views regarding which Departments are likely to experience difficulties in keeping their current expenditure within targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26882/15]

Public Procurement Regulations

Bernard Durkan

104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which public procurement remains a central feature of the control of costs throughout the public sector; the degree to which he has measured the success in this area over the past four and a half years to date in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26883/15]