Written Answers Nos. 415-432
415. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of all third level courses, training programmes and courses and accompanying cost for the 2012-13 academic year 1 September 2012 to 30 June 2013 provided for employees of his Department. [34566/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
Third Level Courses
|
Course details |
College |
Cost per year per person |
No. of participants |
|
M.Sc. in Economic Policy Studies |
Trinity College |
€9,585 |
1 |
|
M.Sc. in Economic Science in Policy Analysis |
IPA |
€3,950 |
1 |
|
M.Sc. in HR Strategies |
DCU |
€7,506 |
1 |
|
M.Sc. in Work & Organisational Behaviour |
DCU |
€8,572 |
1 |
|
BA in HRM |
National College of Ireland |
€3,800 |
2 |
|
Professional Diploma in Official Statistics |
IPA |
€1,450 |
1 |
|
Certificate in Audit Skills |
IPA |
€5,250 |
1 |
|
French Language |
Alliance Francaise |
€1,500 |
1 |
|
Higher Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy |
Dublin Business School |
€3,495 |
1 |
|
Conflict Resolution & Mediation |
Mediation Northside |
€1,145 |
1 |
|
Certificate in Civil Service & State Agency Studies |
IPA |
€950 |
1 |
Question No. 419 answered with Question No. 411.
420. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the commitments in the programme for Government within his remit; if the commitment has been met or is in the process of being met; the estimated time for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34685/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy’s question, in the following table I have provided an update on the status of my Department's commitments under the Programme for Government. As can be seen from this update significant progress has been made in my Department.
The progress identified to date clearly shows that the Government has focused its attention on the decisions and reforms needed to achieve economic and financial stability, which provide a platform for economic recovery. My Department is determined to continue to implement our Programme for Government commitments – to restore the public's confidence in our economy and to achieve a strong and sustainable economy.
Many of the reforms in the programme are ambitious and need careful sequencing and expertly executed delivery plans. Some may take the whole lifetime of the Government to complete.
Programme for Government Commitments Department of Public Expenditure and Reform July 2013
|
Commitment |
Current Status |
|
We will draw up a new National Development Plan that reflects Ireland’s changed economic circumstances, covering the seven-year period 2012-2019. The plan will be based on a comprehensive study of Ireland’s public investment priorities over that period. |
Completed - (A new NDP was not undertaken but the five year Exchequer capital framework was laid out in “Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework” published in November 2011. A new five year framework will be set out as the period of the current framework comes to a close.) |
|
In the initial years, when resources will be most heavily constrained, we will prioritise investment in school building, non-national roads, healthcare, and in job-creation. |
Completed |
|
We will insist that major capital projects are subjected to proper cost-benefit analysis and evaluation, improving future productivity and growth prospects, and that the value-for-money obtained is significantly enhanced compared to the most recent period. |
Completed |
|
The new NDP will be based on traditional exchequer capital spending, plus other resources to be invested from the National Pension Reserve Fund, on the basis of obtaining a return on investment and that does not impact the Government Balance Sheet. |
In Progress (no new NDP - see above – but there is a 5 year Exchequer framework and a new PPP programme) |
|
In developing the new NDP, we will re-examine the investment programmes of the semi-state companies to ensure that they are in line with new economic circumstances. |
Completed |
|
In order to ensure that public enterprise plays a full role in Ireland’s economic recovery, we will create a holding company to manage the state’s holdings of the semi-states, and to co-ordinate investment in key priority areas identified by the Government, including energy, water and forestry. |
Completed |
|
Over time, we also propose to finance the investment programme from the sale of certain state assets. We will target up to €2 billion in sales of non-strategic state assets drawing from the recommendations of the McCarthy Review Group on State Assets when available. Assets will only be sold when market conditions are right and when adequate regulatory structures have been established to protect consumer interests. |
In Progress |
|
Re-prioritise capital funding for smaller projects that deal with specific immediate problems. Smaller projects are more labour intensive and more likely to be carried out by local contractors increasing short-run domestic economic impact. Investment priorities will include education, health and science and technology. |
Completed |
|
Conduct a Comprehensive Spending Review to examine all areas of public spending and to assess effectiveness of spending programmes and value for company. |
Completed |
|
Accelerate capital works that are ‘shovel ready’ and labour intensive including schools and secondary roads. |
Completed |
|
We will reform public procurement to become a tool to support innovative Irish firms and to allow greater access to Irish small and medium sized businesses. |
Completed |
|
We will introduce new legislation to protect all small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. |
Completed |
|
A referendum to amend the Constitution to reverse the effects of the Abbeylara judgement to enable Oireachtas committees to carry out full investigations. |
Completed |
|
A referendum to protect the right of citizens to communicate in confidence with public representatives. |
In Progress |
|
All appointments at Principal Officer level and above will be open to external competition and at least one-third of such appointments will be reserved for candidates from outside traditional civil service structures for a 5-year period. |
In Progress |
|
Pin down accountability for results at every level of the public service – from Ministers down – with clear consequences for success and failure. Ministers will be responsible for policy and procurement and public service managers for delivery. |
In Progress |
|
Where appropriate, agency boards will be scrapped and agency managers will report directly to Ministers and their Departments on performance against targets. |
Action Required |
|
Put in place a Whistleblowers Act to protect public servants that expose maladministration by Ministers or others, and restore Freedom of Information. |
In Progress |
|
There will be no more “golden handshakes” for public servants that have failed to deliver. |
Completed |
|
Overhaul TLAC (Top level Appointments Commission), with the chairperson and the majority of members drawn from outside the public sector. |
Completed |
|
Introduce a reformed incentive system for all grades within core Government departments to reward cross-departmental teams that deliver audited improvements in service delivery and cost effectiveness. |
Action required |
|
Go beyond the recommendations of An Bord Snip to rationalise core processes that are duplicated across the public service, by establishing shared back-office operations for information technology, human resource management, payments and entitlement applications, business inspections and procurement. |
In Progress |
|
Review the Local Government Efficiency Review as part of our Comprehensive Spending Review. |
Completed |
|
Make substantial cuts to the number of State bodies and companies. |
Completed |
|
Instigate a Government-wide review to identify and eliminate non-priority programmes and outsource, where appropriate, non-critical functions. |
In Progress |
|
Rather than giving fixed budgets to traditional public service providers like the HSE, VECs and FÁS, we will put resources into the hands of citizens to acquire services that are tailored to better suit their needs and less expensive for the taxpayer. |
In Progress |
|
Establish a new model of financing social interventions – called Social Impact Bonds – that share audited exchequer savings with charitable and voluntary organisations. |
In Progress |
|
Where appropriate we will open up the delivery of public services to a range of providers. |
In Progress |
|
We will give schools, hospitals and other public service bodies new freedoms – within strict budgets and new accountability systems – to set their own staffing needs, automate routine processes and adapt work practices to local staff and customer needs. |
In Progress |
|
We will legislate for a reformulated code of laws, replacing both the Ministers and Secretaries Acts and the Public Service Management Act, which will spell out the legal relationship between Ministers and their civil servants and their legal accountability for decisions and for management of Departments. |
In Progress |
|
The system of implied general delegation of a Minister’s statutory powers to civil servants will be abolished and replaced by a fixed and determined system of delegation of specified powers to specified officers. |
In Progress |
|
Where a responsibility is delegated through several civil service grades, each grade will be held accountable for their element of it and departmental officials giving evidence to Oireachtas committees will be obliged to speak on their own behalf for their delegated responsibilities and, where appropriate, defend themselves and their actions. |
In Progress |
|
Delegation orders will spell out the functions of the Minister in supervising the exercise of delegated powers: the Minister will be responsible for ensuring that adequate standards are maintained; outputs are delivered as determined or agreed; and procedures are in place to provide the Minister with the necessary and correct information to enable him or her to respond to problems of administration and to give an account of those problems, and of any necessary corrective action, to the Dáil and to the public. |
In Progress |
|
We will bring to an end the unacceptable executive practice where no record is kept of ministerial involvement with an issue and resulting decisions. |
In Progress |
|
We will review the grading structure of the civil service and public service and reduce number of management grades. Public service managers will be given greater autonomy in deciding how they use staffing budgets and resources to achieve agreed outcomes. |
In Progress |
|
We will remove barriers to mobility across the public service. As part of this we will create a new tier of senior public service management structures, where senior officials are rotated across the public sector to nurture the collaborative culture needed to tackle the biggest cross-cutting social and economic challenges. |
Completed |
|
High level strategic goals will be reflected in individual goals, in a new performance management and development system for staff. Staff recognition schemes will be developed and devolved, with particular emphasis on team awards. Staff will be encouraged to put forward suggestions for improving service delivery and organisation efficiency and effectiveness. |
In Progress |
|
Government services websites, public offices, telephone services, and helplines will be reconfigured to facilitate access to a broad range of government services through a single point of contact. |
In Progress |
|
Ministers’ salaries will be reduced, political expenses vouched for and severance payments for ministers axed. |
Completed |
|
No political pensions will be paid to sitting TDs and in future no retired politician will get a political pension until the national retirement age. Politics must be about service to the public, not financial gain for politicians. |
Completed |
|
Amend the Constitution to Give Dáil committees Full Powers of Investigation: The Abbeylara Supreme Court decision currently limits the ability of Dáil committees to hold investigations into crucial issues of public concern, such as the banking crisis. |
Completed |
|
A statutory duty on anybody established by or under statute, or with a majority ownership or funding by the State, to submit to the same parliamentary questions regime as applies to Government departments. This will involve a liability to provide answers to written questions within a specified number of Dáil sitting days. (We will however recognise the special position of bodies with a commercial mandate operating at arm’s length from Government). |
In Progress |
|
We will amend the rules to ensure that no senior public servant (including political appointees) or Minister can work in the private sector in any area involving a potential conflict of interest with their former area of public employment, until at least two years have elapsed after they have left the public service. |
In Progress |
|
Restrictions on the nature and extent of evidence by civil servants to Oireachtas committees will be scrapped and replaced with new guidelines for civil servants that reflect the reality of the authority delegated to them and their personal accountability for the way in which it is exercised. |
In Progress |
|
The Committee would be the formal channel of consultation and collaboration between the Oireachtas and the Ombudsman, responsible for receiving and debating her annual and special reports and for ensuring that her criticisms and recommendations are acted upon. For that purpose, she would attend as a regular witness before the committee. |
In Progress |
|
We will legislate to restore the Freedom of Information Act to what it was before it was undermined by the outgoing Government, and we will extend its remit to other public bodies including the administrative side of the Garda Síochána, subject to security exceptions |
In Progress |
|
We intend to end the heavy dependence on a very limited pool of extremely expensive private solicitors firms providing legal services to the State and agencies, look at ways to require agencies to seek legal advice from the CSSO and not from the private sector in order to save costs, and ensure that legal work at the bar for the State is spread more equitably rather than confined to a very limited pool as at present. |
In Progress |
|
We will progress the Statute Law Revision Project in order to enhance public accessibility to the statute book. |
In Progress |
|
We will extend Freedom of Information, and the Ombudsman Act, to ensure that all statutory bodies, and all bodies significantly funded from the public purse, are covered. |
In Progress |
|
We will introduce Whistleblowers legislation. |
In Progress |
|
We will introduce a statutory register of lobbyists, and rules concerning the practice of lobbying. |
In Progress |
|
We will abolish the additional pay for Ministers who leave office. We will restrict the payment of pensions to politicians so that in future a member can only qualify for a pension at the national retirement age (currently 65) and upon leaving public life. We will cap taxpayers’ subsidies for all future pension schemes for politicians (and indeed for everybody) that deliver income in retirement of more than €60,000. |
Part Complete/Part in Progress |
|
We will legislate and change Dáil standing orders to ensure the absolute confidentiality of information entrusted to members of the Dáil by their constituents or informants, and ensure that such information cannot be compulsorily disclosed through the legal process except with the consent of the informant. |
In Progress |
|
Every public body will set out clear and unambiguous long, medium and short term strategic priorities, which will be clearly communicated to public service and citizens. Strategic priorities will be translated into high level goals for all Departments, on a ‘whole of government’ basis, and in consultation with Ministers. |
In Progress |
|
Performance indicators will be identified to monitor progress on high level priorities. Annual reports of departments and agencies will include output statements and audited financial accounts prepared on generally accepted accounting principles. The performance information provided in output and outcome-focused measurement will feed into the decision making process for future plans at political and senior management level. |
Completed |
|
The reform process will provide for increased delegation of budgets, subject to detailed plans, relevant performance reporting and audited accounts compiled in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. |
In Progress |
|
Detailed business cases will be required for major projects, with review and reporting requirements built in to the plan. Sanctions will be imposed at an early stage for significant overruns. |
Completed |
|
We will change the current emphasis on performance reporting to performance management. All medium to long-term projects that involve significant public spending will be subject to cost benefit analysis, and to on-going evaluation. The results of programme evaluations will be published and programmes not meeting their objectives will be wound down. |
Completed |
|
Performance and progress will be published in a new, audited annual Public Service Delivery Reports. Oireachtas Committees will expose any failure to hit milestones and targets. Each sectoral Committee will take on new powers, similar to those wielded by Public Accounts Committee, to hold Ministers and public servants to account for value for money. This will feed into Oireachtas consideration of the next Budget. |
In Progress |
|
Where appropriate, agency boards will be scrapped and agency managers will be accountable directly to Ministers. |
Action Required |
|
We will bring forward the annual Estimates cycle, so that it becomes more timely and relevant. It will in future start at the beginning of the preceding year and conclude by the summer. |
Completed |
|
The annual Estimates will in future distinguish between monies being allocated to maintaining the existing level of service for existing programmes and money to support new programmes or policy decisions. |
Completed |
|
The Book of Estimates will be accompanied by a detailed performance report on what the previous year’s spending had achieved. It will also give details of the level of performance achieved by agencies under service delivery agreements with Government. |
In Progress |
|
Oireachtas members will be given, from within existing resources, dedicated resources for the proper scrutiny of the Estimates. |
In Progress |
|
We will give the Comptroller and Auditor General the extra powers needed to carry out value-for-money audits of State programmes. |
In Progress |
|
We will publish cost-benefit analyses for major infrastructure proposals and “tax expenditures” in advance of Government approval. |
Completed |
|
Public sector bodies will be required to publish balance sheets and to move to accruals from cash-flow accounting. |
In Progress |
|
Every Purchase Order by a Government Department or agency for more than €20,000 will be published online. We will give the Comptroller and Auditor General and Oireachtas Committees the extra powers needed to carry out value-for-money audits of State programmes. |
Completed |
|
Public bodies will be required to openly compete for budget resources by publishing pre-budget spending requests, and what they would deliver in return for such allocations to help deliver Programme for Government. |
Completed |
|
We will conduct a Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) to examine all areas of public spending, based on the Canadian model, and to develop multi-annual budget plans with a three-year time horizon. This plan will be presented to the Dáil for debate. It will assess effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes, and value for money. |
Completed |
|
The CSR will examine the number, range and activities of bodies funded significantly from public purse, including at local government level, and reduce numbers where appropriate. In future, when proposing a new agency, it will be necessary to prove that the proposed new functions cannot be carried out within the existing framework. |
Completed |
|
We will, subject to there being no compulsory redundancies and to the protection of front line services: Reduce the total number of public sector employees by between 18,000 and 21,000 by 2014, compared to the total number at the end of 2010. Reduce this number by a further 4,000 by 2015. |
Completed |
|
We will extend the remit of Ombudsman to third level institutions. |
In Progress |
|
Review existing tendering processes for legal services by Government and State and semi-State agencies to ensure value for money and end anti-competitive practices. The Government directed that a robust analysis be carried out to evaluate how to give effect to a beneficial merger of Coillte with Bord na Móna to create a streamlined and refocused commercial state company operating in the bio-energy and forestry sectors |
In Progress In Progress |
421. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will detail, in tabular form, the names of all external public relations, communications consultants and organisations used by organisations or agencies within the remit of his Department since 9 March 2011; the details of the services supplied by each; the expenditure on each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34701/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy’s question the following table outlines the names of external public relations, communications consultants and organisations used by organisations or agencies within the remit of my Department since its formation:
External Public Relations, Communication Consultants & Organisations
From July 2011 to June 2013
|
Company Name |
Details |
Expenditure |
|
Wilson Hartnell |
Communications advice on publicity around senior level and other recruitment campaigns |
€10,197.00 (not including professional services withholding tax deducted at 20%) |
|
Q4PR |
Conference October 2012 – PR consultancy services supporting IPA Conference |
€3,000.00 |
|
Q4PR |
Organising IPA Yearbook & Diary launch event December 2012 |
€2,000.00 |
|
Q4PR |
Conference October 2011 – PR consultancy services supporting IPA Conference |
€2,500.00 |
|
QRPR |
Organising IPA Yearbook & Diary launch event December 2011 |
€2,000.00 |
|
Media Contact.ie |
Media HQ 2-users 12 Month Online Subscription |
€1,929.95 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Logo Year Book 2012 |
€193.60 |
|
Media World Ltd |
Broadcast Audio Recording CD |
€49.20 |
|
Newspaper Licensing Ireland Ltd |
National Newspaper License |
€1,726.92 |
|
Aegis Media Ireland Ltd (Brindley Advertising) |
Advertising in Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner and Foinse |
€3,788.57 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Logo Year Book 2013 |
€196.80 |
|
Kildare Times Ltd |
Castletown House Advert –Nat Tree Week Feature |
€295.20 |
|
Impression Design & Print |
3 Issues of The Link Magazine adverts including artwork |
€830.25 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Advertising Year Book |
€1,814.30 |
|
Aidan Sweeney Photography |
Photographic Services (at Ennis Town Council offices of Fergus Flood Relief Contracts with Minister) |
€230.00 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography |
€346.86 |
422. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the parameters of his recent address to the Bureau of European Policy Advisors high-level seminar of the European Commission in Brussels on 9 July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34708/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bureau of European Policy Advisors (BEPA) is a service of the European Commission, reporting directly to the President of the Commission and under his authority. The Bureau is composed of a professional staff of advisers, policy analysts and support staff whose role is to provide professional advice to the President and the Commissioners and to formulate recommendations on issues regarding the policy of the European Union.
On 9 July 2013 I took part in a high-level seminar organised by BEPA which brought together specialists and practitioners to share their insights and experience in the field of public-sector innovation and discuss the opportunities for, and challenges to, further progress at a European and Member State level. The seminar was also addressed by the President of the Commission, Jose Manuel Barosso.
In my speech I reflected on Ireland’s recent Presidency of the Council of Ministers and went on to discuss Ireland’s Public Service reform programme, including the importance of innovation, recent developments in the reform programme and the Haddington Road agreement.
The full text of my speech is available at http://per.gov.ie/2013/07/09/address-by-brendan-howlin-td-minister-for-public-expenditure-reform-to-european-commission-bureau-of-european-policy-advisors-on-high-level-seminar-on-public-sector-innovation/.
423. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has sought and received legal advice outside the Office of the Attorney General; the number of times advice was sought per year in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the costs of outside legal advice per year in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34987/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy’s question the following table outlines the legal advice received outside the Office of the Attorney General by my Department from 2011 to date:
Legal Advice received (Outside of the Office of the Attorney General)
From July 2011 to date in 2013
|
Name |
Issues on which legal advice sought |
Amount |
|
Legal Advisor |
Provision of legal analysis and advice on the policy options and proposals on Reform priorities. Preparation of legislative proposals (e.g. General Schemes of Bills) relating to the Government Reform agenda. |
€53,758.69 |
|
Legal Advisor |
Provision of legal analysis and advice on the policy options and proposals on Reform priorities. Preparation of legislative proposals (e.g. General Schemes of Bills) relating to the Government Reform agenda |
€43,109.35 |
424. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of an event held in the Pearse Museum in St. Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, last autumn which was addressed by the Minister of State in his Department, Deputy Brian Hayes, regarding the planned works in the park, if he will provide information on the content of the meeting; the way it was advertised and by whom; the other public representatives who were notified and the refreshments that were provided at the meeting at a cost to the Exchequer. [35008/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn event took place on Wednesday, 24 October 2012, in the Pearse Museum, St. Enda's, Rathfarnham, hosted by Minister Brian Hayes T.D., to mark the launch of an exhibition being held in the Museum – “Revolution: Photographs of Revolutionary Ireland 1913-1923". Speakers on the night were Minister Hayes and the Museum Curator, Mr. Brian Crowley.
The occasion was also used to officially recognise and celebrate the Museum's full accreditation to the Heritage Council’s "Museums Standard Programme of Ireland" and the Minister took the opportunity to outline the pivotal role that the Museum will play in the lead up to the Centenary Commemoration of 1916. The Minister also noted the repair works to two historical bridges on the site. No advertising costs were incurred with invitations issuing through the Minister’s Office to those on the Pearse Museum invitation lists, local residents who live in the vicinity of the Museum, and guests of Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc author of the book being launched.
A small reception of light refreshments was provided at a cost of €407.23.
426. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the future of current national lottery staff; if staff will return to An Post and have their current contractual agreements maintained; if they will move to the new national lottery company with their current contractual agreements maintained; if he will provide an update on current LRC discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35144/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of future arrangements regarding staff in the National Lottery is now under consideration at the Labour Relations Commission. It is expected that further discussions will take place in the coming weeks. No decisions have yet been taken in relation to the future of current National Lottery staff.
427. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the expected carryover of current expenditure savings from 2013 into next year for his Department. [35210/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra428. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the expected carryover of capital expenditure savings from 2013 into next year for his Department. [35227/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra429. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the expected unspent capital expenditure from 2013 into next year for his Department. [35244/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra430. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the expected unspent current expenditure from 2013 into next year for his Department. [35261/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra431. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expected carryover of public sector pay savings from 2013 into next year [35267/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 427 to 431, inclusive, together.
It is too early in the year to predict what level of current and capital saving, if any, will be available at year end and-or what the current and capital carryover into 2014 might be.
As the Deputy will be aware, Departments are entitled to apply to carryover unspent capital up to a maximum of 10% of their Voted capital allocation into the next financial year. Proposals for capital carryover are usually submitted to my Department as part of the normal Budget preparations and indicative figures for capital carryover are included in the Budget Estimates. The exact figure for capital carryover is confirmed in the Ministerial Order dealing with deferred surrender of unspent capital which must be made by me, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, no later than 31 March the following year.
The end June Exchequer returns showed that €927 million in capital was drawn down by Departments and Offices. This is €137 million (12.9%) behind the level that had been profiled in the period. A variance of this order is not unusual and there can be variations in spending patterns between Departments with some ahead of target. Departments have not indicated that they expect any significant savings by year end and so capital expenditure is expected to return to profile by then.
The Medium Term Expenditure Framework, which was first introduced in the Comprehensive Expenditure Report 2012-2014 proposed that carryover of unspent funds would also be allowed in the area of current expenditure. Departments will now be permitted to carry over unspent current funds (including pay as appropriate) from one year to increase the current expenditure ceiling for the next year. This will be subject to certain limits and safeguards and subject to my final approval. A circular will be issued to all Departments detailing the operational arrangements for current carryover subject to the enactment of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2013 which sets out the provision for multi-annual expenditure ceilings on a statutory footing.
The end-June Exchequer returns showed that Departmental spending remains in line with profile to date with gross voted expenditure at €25,187 million as at the end of June (1.2% or €301 million below profile).
432. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the details of the budget allocated to capital expenditure in tabular form; the amount spent in tabular form; the amount carried forward for each of the years 2012 and to date in 2013 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35268/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe budget allocated to capital expenditure is outlined in the Revised Estimates Volume 2013 which is available on my Department's website. Capital expenditure to end June is set out in the end-June Exchequer returns which are available on the website of the Department of Finance. With regard to the amount of capital which was carried over into 2012 and 2013, these figures are available in the Revised Estimates Volumes for 2012 and 2013.
