Written Answers Nos. 224-243
225. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if home insurance companies can utilise OPW flooding maps in the context of underwriting insurance for homes. [17559/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra226. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW has engaged with insurance providers regarding OPW maps and flood risk and its mapping of same in respect of the use of their models in the context of assessing risk associated with insurance products; his plans to make it obligatory for insurers to consider the maps compiled by the OPW when a dispute arises between an insurance company and a customer in respect of the refusal by the insurance company to provide flood cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17561/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 226 together.
The Department of Finance has overall responsibility for policy matters in relation to insurance, including flood insurance. Government policy on flood insurance is centred on significant investment in sustainable flood risk management and the exchange of information between the insurance industry and the Office of Public Works (OPW) on completed flood relief schemes, as outlined under. Investment of €1.3 billion for the delivery of flood relief schemes is provided for over the lifetime of the National Development Plan (NDP) to 2030. In this context, the number of flood relief schemes at design and construction, has trebled to 100. The work will protect approximately 23,000 properties across various communities from river and coastal flood risk.
The Department of Finance has advised that it continues to engage with the insurance industry on all aspects of insurance reform, including flood cover issues. These matters are a priority for the Government and efforts continue to be made to encourage a responsive approach to the provision of flood insurance from the insurance industry.
The OPW, through the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, carried out the largest ever flood risk study in Ireland to date, which assessed 80% of properties at risk from Ireland’s main causes of flooding. The OPW Flood Maps, that show the flood risk for 300 communities, are a key output of the study together with 29 Flood Risk Management Plans, with the proposed flood relief measures to address the flood risk in each community.
The Flood Maps are available to the public at www.floodinfo.ie however, it is important to note that they are community based maps. The maps were not designed to designate individual properties at risk. Therefore they do not show individual properties and they do not identify if a property close to an extent is, or is not, within an area at risk of flooding. The maps show the probable extent of flooding based on future projections.
The Disclaimer and Conditions for Use of OPW Flood Maps on www.floodinfo.ie includes a provision that users of the website must not use the Flood Maps, or any other content of the website for commercial purposes. As such, the Disclaimer prevents insurance companies from using the flood maps generated by the OPW.
The insurance industry has its own flood modelling tools for assessing the level of risk that it is willing to underwrite in relation to individual properties. It has highlighted to the OPW that it does not use the OPW Flood Maps to inform its flood modelling. The decision on whether to offer insurance, the level of premiums charged and the policy terms applied are matters for individual insurers. Insurance companies make commercial decisions on the provision of insurance cover based on their assessment of the risks they would be accepting on a case-by-case basis. Neither the Minister for Finance or the Central Bank of Ireland can direct the provision or pricing of insurance products, in accordance with the EU framework for insurance (Solvency II Directive).
Insurance Ireland operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be contacted at 01 676 1914 or feedback@insuranceireland.eu. Similarly, Brokers Ireland, the representative body for insurance brokers in Ireland, has access to a wide range of providers and products, and can offer advice for customers when sourcing cover. Brokers Ireland can be reached at 01 661 3067. Furthermore, where an individual considers that they have been treated unfairly, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01 567 7000.
The OPW has a role to assist insurance companies to take into account the protection provided by completed flood defence schemes. In this regard, the OPW has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Insurance Ireland, the representative body of the insurance industry. A working group meets on a quarterly basis to discuss the sharing of data on completed flood relief schemes under the terms of the MoU. The membership of the Working Group includes representatives of the OPW, Insurance Ireland, industry members and the Department of Finance. The MoU sets out principles of how the two organisations work together to ensure that appropriate and relevant information on these completed schemes is provided to insurers to facilitate, to the greatest extent possible, the availability to the public of insurance against the risk of flooding. While the MoU does not guarantee the availability of insurance, Insurance Ireland members have committed to take into account all information provided by the OPW when assessing exposure to flood risk within these protected areas.
227. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when legislation will be published on the management of the River Shannon as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17598/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe preparation of legislation to improve the management of flood risk on the River Shannon is a Government priority, with the River Shannon Management Body Bill on the priority legislation list for drafting for Summer 2024. The main purpose of the Bill is to improve flood risk management for the River Shannon catchment.
As the deputy is aware, the management of flood risk on the river is closely intertwined with other uses of the river such as for navigation, dam safety and electricity generation. An analysis of existing legislation regarding the management of the River Shannon, including a review of the powers of various bodies involved with the river has been undertaken. Given the powers and functions of the various bodies involved, the preparation of legislative proposals is complex. In this context, there is a requirement for consultation and, when completed, legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General on a proposed approach. The OPW, in line with Government direction, is prioritising this work.
228. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what plans the OPW has for a farm (details supplied) which was previously acquired for the Garda College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17735/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe property referred to by the deputy was purchased by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (CPW) in 2006 on behalf of An Garda Síochána in relation to the Garda Training College in Templemore. The property consists of a period house, which is not in habitable condition and lands of 256 acres. The lands are made up of 160 acres of good grazing land and 96 acres of mixed woodland. CPW are the legal owners of the land.
It was intended that the site would be used to locate a Garda Centre of Excellence and would enable the provision of a full range of outdoor tactical training, however, in 2008 as a result of the economic downturn the project to develop could not be progressed. Some off-road training facilities for use by the Garda Training College have been provided.
In March 2007, the Office of Public Works (OPW) arranged through a local auctioneer to let the lands on a short-term lease. The most recent lease expired on 31 January 2024.
In 2015, following the advices of Teagasc/Coillte, a programme of development/restoration of the lands commenced at the farm. The development/restoration of the farmlands is now complete and was funded from the letting of the lands. The period house has had roof and guttering repairs and security fencing has been put in place around the perimeter by the OPW. The fabric of the property is in good condition.
The long-term future of the property is under consideration by the OPW in consultation with An Garda Síochána, in line with their potential future requirements.
229. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of WTE staff by job title working within the health and safety division in the OPW as of 16 April 2024, in tabular form. [17797/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is set out in the following table.
|
WTE |
TITLE |
|
8 |
Safety Officer |
|
1 |
Health and Safety Officer |
|
1 |
Health and Safety Advisor |
|
2 |
Executive Officer |
|
2 |
Clerical Officer |
230. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW will fund the refurbish the Garda immigration detention facility at Dublin Port. [17798/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter of prioritisation for infrastructure facilities for An Garda Síochána is a matter for the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána
231. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the amount raised in revenue from third parties taking a leased fixing on a Garda communications mast in 2023 and to date in 2024; if he will provide this breakdown by revenue raised and by station and or location of the mast; and if he will indicate the way in which this revenue is accounted for. [17869/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (CPW) have issued licences to install telecommunications equipment on masts at Garda Stations to the following companies, all of which are licensed by ComReg to provide services in Ireland.
• Three Ireland (Hutchison) Ltd.
• Three Ireland Services (Hutchison) Ltd. (formerly O2 Ireland Ltd)
• Vodafone Ireland Ltd.
• Meteor Mobile Communications Ltd. (now known as Eir)
• Lighthouse Networks Limited
• Imagine Network Services Limited
• E-Nasc Eireann Teoranta (E-Net)
• Tetra Ireland Ltd - These licences are for the provision of digital radio services to An Garda Síochána and other emergency services and as a result of this a licence fee is not payable.
All licence fees from operators on telecommunication masts managed by the OPW are collected quarterly in advance. The fees are payable to the OPW and are subject to VAT at 23%.
That income is subsequently allocated as follows:
• 11% of all licence fees collected plus VAT is transferred to the OPW’s agent who is contracted to manage mast sites on behalf of the OPW;
• 30% of the licence fees collected in respect of Garda Masts is transferred to the Department of Justice.
The balance of the licence fees, less minor expenses, is surrendered to the Exchequer as part of Appropriations in Aid on the OPW's Vote.
Officials in my Department are currently collating the information on the income, by station, received in 2023 and to date in 2024 from these licences and I will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
232. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to report on the review his Department is undertaking regarding the budgetary treatment of EPCs; when he expects this review to be completed and results published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17921/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy Performance Contracts (EPCs) are a form of Public Private Partnership (PPP), but are significantly different from ‘traditional’ PPPs. Under an EPC, an Energy Service Company (ESCO) takes responsibility for undertaking the energy efficiency upgrade of a building. In return, an agreed proportion of the resulting energy bill savings accrue to the ESCO rather than to the building owner. EPCs are very complex instruments, combining elements of a rental, a service, a lease, a purchase and a loan agreement. For EPCs to be worthwhile, it would need to be established that delivery capacity exists to actually achieve the desired volume of retrofit, in addition to all other NDP funded investments. The responsibility for the management and delivery of any individual energy performance contracts would rest with the individual sponsoring Minister and Department in each case.
The 2021 Review of Public Private Partnerships included a proposal to explore the feasibility of a specific initiative around EPCs as a method of financing improved energy efficiency of the public building stock where this can be funded by savings in energy budgets and on an off-balance sheet basis. Building on this, the NDP committed that a targeted review of the existing treatment of PPPs would be undertaken.
In line with this, my Department is currently undertaking a review of the budgetary treatment of EPCs. This review intends to explore whether EPCs are an attractive option to help deliver public sector retrofitting at this time and, if so, to identify what reforms may be necessary to support increased uptake of EPCs by public bodies. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
233. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason interviews for a position (details supplied) which is to be located in Galway and where all the applicants come from the region, are being held in Dublin, thus adding unnecessarily to the national carbon footprint and causing cost and inconvenience to the applicants and most interview panel members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17943/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Appointments Service have informed me that the interviews for the position the Deputy refers to are being held in Galway, and that the client was informed of this on 9 April.
234. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the works that are now being conducted on the dome of the Four Courts; the reason further works are necessary, in light of the fact that major works on the dome were completed in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18004/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is currently undertaking the final phase of works to conserve the dome structure of the Four Courts, Inns Quay, Dublin 7, following on from earlier phases of repair works that included detailed surveying and examinations of the dome structure.
The Investigative and Entablature Repair Works to the Four Courts Dome were substantially completed by the end of July 2021. The primary purpose of that phase of works was to address the most immediate and urgent repair requirements and to facilitate the assessment of the stone capitals and perimeter steel angle to circumference immediately over the capitals.
The current phase of works focuses primarily on the Portland stone capitals that ring the drum of the Four Courts and support the dome structure. The stone capitals are in poor condition having been damaged by past events, including a major fire at the Four Courts during the civil war in 1922. The capitals will be either repaired or replaced depending upon their structural condition. In addition, the structural steel angle above the capitals to the circumference of the dome will be replaced.
It is anticipated that the works will be completed by end of 2025.
235. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the full cost of development of modular homes for Ukrainians since 2022 to date; the cost per development and the cost per home; the number of homes built under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18023/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2022, the OPW was asked by Government to develop a pilot programme of an initial 500 rapid build homes on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. That number was subsequently increased to 700 late 2022.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage was asked to assist in identifying sites that might be suitable by seeking information from public authorities on potential sites in their ownership.
The OPW had already begun liaising with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) relating to the possible use of modular housing units to provide durable accommodation solutions. Those discussions considered the potential capacity of the modular manufacturing industry in Ireland to produce a product at scale and to the appropriate standard.
In conjunction with the CIF and the modular manufacturing industry, the OPW developed an exemplar design and specification to ensure Building Regulation compliance. The modular prototype that was designed is a highly energy efficient durable single storey unit (with a useful life of 60 years). The units would be fully fitted out and transported onto sites around the country.
The OPW undertook an accelerated procurement procedure to select a main contractor to carry out site enabling works and arrange for the manufacture, transportation and installation of modular units. A contract with John Sisk & Son was awarded in August 2022. Sisk then engaged with a range of modular manufacturers an established a framework of 5 suppliers.
A number of interrelated activities took place simultaneously relating to:
• Sites selection via the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;
• Engagement with site owners;
• Finalising the work programme with the main contractor to manage the enabling works on sites, the acquisition of modular units and their transportation and installation; and
• There has also been considerable positive collaboration with utility bodies such as ESB Networks, Irish Water and Open Eir on those aspects of the site development.
Commencement of site works took place in November 2022 on the first available sites.
From the outset, the OPW was acutely aware that the most complex part of the process would be the identification of suitable State-owned sites against a backdrop of pressure on housing supply.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provided information on sites that were identified to it by local authorities and other public bodies. However, while local authorities, in particular, have some sites in their ownership, many of these are earmarked for future housing development and were not readily available for this programme.
The completed sites are Farnham, Cavan (28 units), Thurles, Tipperary (62 units), Claremorris, Mayo (28 Units), Doorly Park, Sligo (22 units), Mahon, Cork (64 units), Clonminch, Offaly (64 units), Rathdowney, Laois (42 units) and Backweston, Kildare (132 units).
The other sites currently in development are Chareville, Cork (66 units) and Pollboy, Galway (64 Units).
The OPW continues to work with DHLGH and with local authorities, the Housing Agency and other bodies on the next phase of suitable sites, in order to deliver the required 700 units.
From the start of this project, the emphasis has been on delivery of quality homes that will enhance local environments.
Once completed, the developments will be to a high standard and will include permanent infrastructure, high quality public realm, streets, water, waste, roads, pedestrian routes, lighting, landscaping, semi-private front curtilage and small private rear gardens. These homes will provide housing for up to 2,800 individuals in family units on State-owned land.
In terms of cost information, the project is still ongoing. Until that process is completed, it is not possible to fully specify a final figure or establish the cost per square metre.
Economies of scale are being achieved in ordering furniture, fittings and equipment in bulk and for the optimal management of deliveries to the sites.
236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied that good practice in terms of public expenditure and reform remains in place and capable of dealing with possible overruns throughout the public sector throughout the course of 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18065/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he expects further reform to play a meaningful role in ensuring prudent expenditure and good value for money in the course of 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18066/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he continues to liaise with all Departments, with a view to preventing potential expenditure overruns or making adequate provisions in the event of unforeseen circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18068/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the degree to which reforms throughout the public sector remain in place to ensure accountability, collective responsibility and good value for money; the new initiatives, if any, proposed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18069/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the degree to which he remains satisfied that each Department continues to effectively operate best practice in the context of public expenditure and reform, with a view to ensuring long-lasting benefits for the persons and the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18072/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 236, 237, 239, 240 and 243 together.
The Government’s approach to public expenditure policy is set out in the Medium Term Expenditure Strategy (MTES). This framework must be responsive to the economic landscape and is reviewed annually as part of the whole of year budget process including the Summer Economic Statement and the Estimates process.
It is important to highlight that, managing expenditure within their ceiling and the related allocations voted by Dáil Éireann, and the terms of the sanction provided by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister. This is underpinned by monthly monitoring of expenditure against profiled spend as published in the Fiscal Monitor.
Nevertheless, budgetary and expenditure reform is also a key feature of public expenditure management and is progressed in a number of ways including through regular engagement across Departments on cross cutting issues and through the public service reform programme. This is progressed through a range of initiatives including:
• Performance Budgeting;
• Equality Budgeting;
• Green Budgeting;
• Well-being framework; and
• The Spending Review Process.
Together, these reforms aim to provide a more comprehensive insight into how public services are supporting society. They consider not only how and where the money is spent but also the impact of public expenditure across different cohorts of society.
Central to any best practices within an administration, my Department regularly engages in international fora, including with OECD working parties and committees in order gain insights and share in discussion surrounding fiscal policy. These discussions focus on budgetary reforms, and evaluation practices, and other areas that strengthen our ability to respond to economic, social and environmental challenges.
This is supported by the Irish Government Economic Evaluation Service (IGEES), who have led the development of a number of additional and improved processes and the publication of reports to support the budgetary framework.
In addition to this, in 2023 I launched Better Public Services, the public service transformation strategy. To ensure that reform will continue to play a central role in ensuring prudent expenditure and optimum value for money in the provision of public services throughout 2024.
The strategy comprises three central pillars aimed at delivering transformation at scale: Digital and Innovation at Scale; Workforce and Organisation of the Future; and Evidence-Informed Policies and Services Designed for and with our Public and my Department is currently coordinating a number of cross government reform initiatives under each of these pillars.
This strategy also incorporates priorities articulated in a number of sectoral reform programmes. This will ensure that the public service will work collaboratively to deliver those reforms at a scale that will ensure value for money for the people of Ireland. By way of ensuring the delivery of organisational reforms and service improvements, Public Service Bodies are requested to identify and prioritise relevant actions that align to the overarching themes of Better Public Services when developing their own corporate strategies and business plans.
To ensure these reform efforts are delivered at scale across the wider Public Service, my Department coordinates the Public Service Leadership Board, which draws on senior leadership from across the Public Service to monitor and advance progress in driving reform.
238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the expectation in respect of future recruitment throughout the public sector in 2024 and thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18067/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic service staffing is largely managed through a policy of delegated sanction, which has been in place since 2015. Under this delegated sanction framework, Departments are permitted to fill vacancies through recruitment and/or promotion where they hold a recruitment license, in grades up to and including Principal Officer Standard or equivalent, subject to remaining within the overall pay bill ceiling. This paybill ceiling forms part of the annual budget agreement. Budget 2024 included provision for a range of additional public service staff, including for example:
• Up to 2,000 additional staff to enhance capacity across acute and social care services;
• Over 1,216 SNAs and 744 Special Education Teachers;
• 1,000 new Garda and 250 Garda Staff; and
• 400 additional military personnel.
Under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, the responsibility for recruitment in each sector of the Public Service is a matter for the relevant Minister. The Act also provides that, as Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, I am responsible for matters relating to recruitment in the Civil Service.
I am informed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS), which is the centralised provider of recruitment and selection services in the civil and public service, that in 2024 they are planning recruitment campaigns for all general service grades in the civil service, from Temporary Clerical Officers to Principal Officers, First and Third Secretary in Foreign Affairs, Clerical and Executive officers with Irish, with other specialist and professional grade competitions and senior and executive recruitment planned throughout the year for specialisms such as ICT, HR, etc.
The number of vacancies filled from the above campaigns will be determined by demand from clients and the volume of requests received.
241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied that policies of his Department continue to reflect well on economic performance, with particular reference to competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18070/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOverall our economy is in good shape and economic growth is expected to continue this year and through the medium term, as the Stability Programme Update has recently illustrated. The IMF’s World Economic Outlook, published this month shows that Irish GDP is projected to grow by 1½% in 2024. Irish GDP is forecast to continue to grow over the medium term.
This is supported by a credible approach to managing spending in the medium-term while maintaining the freedom to respond appropriately to short-term challenges. This includes the management of expenditure within their ceiling and the related allocations voted by Dáil Éireann, and within the terms of the sanction provided by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, by every Department and Minister. This is underpinned by monthly monitoring of expenditure against profiled spend as published in the Fiscal Monitor.
One of the best barometers of the health in the economy is the labour market. The strong growth in employment over the last number of years has continued into this year. Employment is forecast to grow by 1.9% in 2024, by 1.5% in 2025 and 2026 and 1.1% in 2027.
Recent unemployment figures from the CSO imply an unemployment rate of 4.4% for the first quarter of 2024, compared with 4.5% in Q4 2023. The Stability Programme Update has forecast unemployment to remain around this level (4.6%) for 2024, rising to 4.7% for 2025 and out to 2027. This shows a continuation of the recent trend of strong high employment levels.
Public service pay has been governed by a system of collective agreements since the Croke Park Agreement was negotiated in 2010. Multi-year public service agreements have contributed to stability within our economy by facilitating ongoing reforms and the maintenance of industrial peace in the public service.
Public service transformation remains a key priority for Government. The Agreement will underpin the ongoing transformation of our public services, allowing reform to continue in a collaborative and cooperative way. This is supported by the key national reform plans, strategies and frameworks.
242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he continues to meet targets in public expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18071/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the core of our strategy to meet targets is the Medium-Term Expenditure Strategy (MTES), which serves two fundamental objectives: to ensure the long-term sustainability of core expenditure growth and to safeguard investments in public services. This framework undergoes annual review as part of the comprehensive budgetary process, including the Estimates process and the Summer Economic Statement, ensuring responsiveness to the evolving economic landscape.
My Department plays a key role in developing and monitoring overall expenditure in line with Government objectives and agreed fiscal policy. My Department also continues to engage with all Departments to monitor and develop our budgetary process with a view to ensuring that value-for-money is delivered across Government projects and programmes.
The Revised Estimates for Public Services 2024 outlined the Government expenditure ceiling of €96.7 billion, with €0.4 billion unallocated, the remainder was allocated to votes. Expenditure profiles for 2024 were then completed by all Votes in February and submitted to my Department. Performance against these profiles is used in-year to monitor the expenditure position. At end Q1 2024, expenditure is €22.8 billion which is in line with profile and year-on-year growth is up by over 2.9 billion (14.9%). Details are set out in the Fiscal Monitor published on the Department of Finance website.
Managing the delivery of public services within budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and their Department. My Department is in regular communication with all Departments to ensure expenditure is managed within the overall fiscal parameters. There are a number of supporting processes and procedures in place including:
Drawdowns from the Exchequer are monitored against published profiles.
Key data and information in relation to voted expenditure is published monthly in the Fiscal Monitor.
Quarterly reporting to Government by the main spending Departments on their respective sectors also takes place alongside the overall expenditure management updates provided by my Department.
Regular engagement, through a number of fora, between spending Departments and my Department at senior official level.
Budget 2024 also established two new reserve funds—the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate, and Nature Fund—to fortify our economy and public finances against future challenges.
Regular communication between myself and the Minister for Finance, ensures we remain vigilant and respond effectively and promptly to any emerging challenges. This also includes continuous monitoring of the macroeconomic situation, including labour market trends and inflation levels as well as monthly tax and expenditure monitoring.
