Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
268 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance the steps being taken to ensure the start up of infrastructure capital projects to a value of €6.5 billion in the year 2010; the preliminary work undertaken to date in 2009 and expected to be undertaken prior to the 31 December 2009; the projects concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33420/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from my Supplementary Budget last April, every Department was allocated a capital envelope for the period 2009-2013. The aggregate allocation for 2010 amounts to €6.621 billion, or about 4.7% of GNP, which is a considerable commitment to capital investment in times of constrained resources. Each Department was also given approval to enter into contractual commitments amounting to €20 billion over the period up to the end of 2013. This financial framework, which is subject to normal budgetary review at each budget, will give Departments a basis to plan and progress those projects which make the greatest economic return, improve national competitiveness and protect and sustain employment. The relevant Departments are responsible for the management of capital investment within the limits of this overall investment framework.
