I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 to 50, inclusive, together.
The total capital allocation for my Department in 2019 across its two Votes – Vote 27: International Co-operation and Vote 28: Foreign Affairs and Trade - will be €21 million. The 2019 allocation represents an increase of €8m on the 2018 capital allocation.
The main focus of capital investment in 2019 will be the cost of constructing and maintaining State properties overseas under Global Ireland 2025, the on-going Passport Reform Programme, the continuing investment in ICT to support the Department’s global ICT network and Ireland’s participation at EXPO 2020.
The projected breakdown of the 2019 capital allocation of €21 million, across the various areas referred to above, is as follows:
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|
2019
|
State properties overseas
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€8.5 million
|
Passport Reform Programme
|
€5.5 million
|
EXPO 2020
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€4.0 million
|
ICT
|
€3.0 million
|
Total
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€21 million
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Insofar as the budget for State Properties overseas is concerned, it is planned to complete building works in 2019 at the Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, continue the preliminary works to facilitate the construction of the new Embassy/Ireland House in Tokyo, commence works on a new Embassy building in Abuja and to possibly purchase a property for a new Embassy opening in 2019. The details of the proposed purchase remain commercially sensitive at this time.
Under the on-going Passport Reform Programme the main projects due for completion in 2019 will be the automated mailing project, the business process automation project, the bedding in of the improvements to the on-line renewals service, on-going improvement to customer systems, and the commencement of the Passport Integrated Processing System.
An allocation of €4 million in 2019 is provided for building and exhibition costs associated with Ireland’s participation in Expo 2020 in Dubai. Ireland’s national Pavilion is being designed by the Office of Public Works. Expo 2020 is expected to attract some 25 million visitors. In a competitive global environment, participation will promote increased awareness of Ireland in the UAE and other key markets as a place to do business and as a destination for FDI post-Brexit. Ireland’s presence will also aim to support trade and tourism opportunities for Ireland in the UAE and wider Gulf region.
For 2019 there are planned projects in respect of ICT Services comprising infrastructure upgrades, roll-out of new business systems and improved communications technology. Provision is also being made for ICT services to new Missions under Global Ireland 2025.