Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
103. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the figure provided by his Department to maintain existing levels of service in 2024, under his respective remits ahead of Budget 2024; the figure granted by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51179/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the pre-budget submission made by my Department to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, a total of €5 million was sought to maintain existing levels of service (ELS) at the Passport Service. In addition, the Department sought to retain an allocation of €10 million from the COVID Contingency Fund, which has been used to support staffing of the Passport Service. Other increases were sought for new services and schemes and the expansion of existing services and schemes.
In Budget 2024, the Department was granted €3 million for ELS costs, in particular to cover increases in the Department's pay bill. In addition, the Department was permitted to retain the allocation of €10 million from the COVID Contingency Fund.
