andMr. P. Barry asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding the review of Government spending initiated in the 1978 Budget; the areas of expenditure covered to date; the recommendations made and when the review will be complete.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Expenditure Review.
6.
As I mentioned in my Budget Statement this year, the first results of the reviews have been reflected in the 1979 Estimates. I also said that the work would continue so that over a short period of years the entire field of Government expenditure will have been subjected to a systematic re-appraisal. The public expenditure review will continue, therefore, for some years yet and there is no set date for its completion.
The reviews themselves are carried out by officials of my Department in consultation with officials from other Departments directly concerned with the subject matter of the reviews. The recommendations arising from them are regarded as part of the confidential advice given by officials to Ministers and, therefore, as internal to the Government.
I can say, however, that the review to-date has covered a wide range of Government expenditure including spending on agriculture, social welfare and consumer subsidies.
Will the Minister state if this review is conducted on a Department by Department basis or in relation to particular categories of expenditure regardless of Departments?
Broadly speaking, it would be true to say that it is Department by Department on the basis that categories of expenditure tend to be related to particular Departments.
Will the Minister say if some Departments have not been covered by the review?
Yes. There would be a number whose expenditure either would not have been covered yet or only to a very limited extent.
Would it be asking too much of the Minister to say which Departments have been covered and which have not been covered?
I am sure the Deputy will understand that for the reasons I outlined in my reply this operation and the results of it are regarded as internal Government matters and therefore I do not want to go beyond what I have said already. I think I have indicated the major areas that have been covered so far.
There is more to come?
I have indicated that this is to go on for some years yet.