Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2019
77. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when decisions will be made on applications for capital projects in County Kildare under Project Ireland 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39640/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that other Ministers will also be answering this question in respect of their Departments.
Due to the nature of its role, my Department does not have any capital projects funded from its own Vote as part of Project Ireland 2040. The main purpose of capital projects and associated investment undertaken by my Department is to support greater effectiveness and efficiency across the Civil and Public Service. While all counties ultimately benefit from this, any capital expenditure is primarily invested in the Department's ICT systems to support and develop the ICT function across Government.
More generally, my role as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is to oversee the effective implementation of the National Development Plan 2018-2027 and to maintain the national frameworks such as the Public Spending Code within which Departments operate to ensure appropriate accounting for, and value for money in, public expenditure.
My Department does not have a direct role in overseeing projects being progressed by other Departments. That responsibility rests with the appropriate Minister responsible for the Sanctioning Authority who approved the project, under the policy of delegated sanction that operates in relation to capital expenditure within the capital budgets allocated to line Ministers/Departments.
The Deputy will be aware that the Public Spending Code sets out the oversight and approval process for public expenditure proposals including capital projects. The responsibilities which lie with different roles are clearly set out in the Code. The Department or agency proposing and implementing a project is responsible for appraisal, planning, implementation, management and post project review of the project. It is known as the Sponsoring Agency. The Department or body funding the project is responsible for approval in principle following appraisal, pre-tender approval, and post tender approval if the project has significantly changed. It is known as the Sanctioning Authority.
