Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 1 May 1996

Vol. 464 No. 7

Written Answers. - EU Expenditure.

Bertie Ahern

Ceist:

49 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if the Government decision of 12 March 1996 introducing an accounting officer independent of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry with responsibility for all agricultural EU expenditure, was made in the context of the strategic management initiative; if this arrangement will be introduced in all other Departments; if so, the legislative provisions that will be necessary to effect these changes; and when it is proposed to introduce such legislation. [8912/96]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

The Government decision to which the Deputy referred involves the establishment of an operationally autonomous executive unit for FEOGA payments reporting to a director who would be an accounting officer managing a separate Vote. While the establishment of that unit is part of the overall restructuring of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry in the context of the Government's strategic management initiatives, the decision to have a distinct Vote and an accounting officer for the unit was taken on the merits of the specific case.

As the Deputy is aware, accounting officers who are not Secretaries of Departments already account to the Committee of Public Accounts for expenditure from a number of Votes. The degree to which this practice should be further extended will fall for consideration as the SMI process develops. Accounting officers are appointed by the Minister for Finance under existing legislation. It is also a matter for the Minister for Finance as to whether any adjustment in the number of Votes or allocation of expenditure between existing or new Votes is warranted.