Denis Naughten
Ceist:100. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to facilitate remote working of civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54976/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFlexible Work Practices
Ceisteanna (100, 103)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:103. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to make remote working an option for persons working in the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55673/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 103 together.
You will be aware that the Government has committed in the Programme for Government to mandating public sector employers to move to 20% home and remote working.
Furthermore, In July, 2021 the Government approved a Policy Statement on Blended Working in the Civil Service. The Policy Statement commits the Civil Service to implementing a policy of blended working for the future that can provide flexibility to both employees and their employers in a manner that supports the continued delivery of high quality services to Government, the public and business while providing employees, where appropriate, with choice and opportunity.
Remote working in the Civil Service, post pandemic, will be facilitated on a blended basis. In this context, Officials in my Department have been working with, and continue to work with employers across the Civil and Public Service to develop a Blended Working Policy Framework for the Civil Service. This Framework focuses on the longer-term approach to remote working in the sector and can assist in providing a consistent approach across the wider public sector.
The Framework will be finalised over the coming weeks, following engagement with employee representatives. When this engagement has concluded, and the Framework has been agreed with the Civil Service Management Board, it will be rolled out to all civil service organisations. The Framework will inform the development of organisational blended working policies which will be tailored to meet the specific requirements of each Department/Office.
Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 91.
Question No. 102 answered with Question No. 83.
Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 100.
Project Ireland 2040
Ceisteanna (104)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:104. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the 2021 regional reports on Project Ireland 2040 will be published by his Department. [55851/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I plan to publish the 2021 regional reports and annual report on Project Ireland 2040 in Q2 2022 following compilation of the data for 2021. The Project Ireland 2040 Annual and Regional Reports for 2020 were published alongside the National Development Plan on 4th October 2021. They set out the progress achieved in the third year of Project Ireland 2040 and are available on gov.ie/2040.
National Development Plan
Ceisteanna (105)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:105. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an overview of NSO 9 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55878/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset it should be noted that my Department, in carrying out its role in coordinating the NDP Review, does not consider the merit of individual projects or sectoral policy strategies as this is primarily a matter for individual Departments and Agencies.
With that point noted, I would be glad to give the Deputy an overview of the NSO 9 which is the Sustainable Management of Water and other Environmental Resources. This NSO highlights the centrality of our sustainable water resources to the implementation of the NPF to underpin our environmental and economic well-being into the future which is against the backdrop of the significant deficits in water services capacity and quality reflecting historic underinvestment.
The relevant sectoral strategies under this NSO are the Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025, Irish Water’s National Water Resources Plan and the Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. These strategies play a critical role in identifying the goals and priorities for this area and are therefore critical in informing the investment projects set out in the NDP.
In terms of water management a range of investments are planned and underway. In the period from 2021-2025 almost €6bn investment will be undertaken by Irish Water. This investment includes major projects such as the Water Supply Project – Eastern and Midlands Region and the Greater Dublin Drainage Project.
Major capital infrastructure programmes across all of Ireland are currently ongoing and investment will continue to be prioritised to improve water and waste water quality through significant capital projects and delivery of national programmes.
Strategic investment priorities to ensure water quality include: works to address issues with public water supplies on the EPA’s Remedial Action List, ending the discharge of untreated sewage at the locations identified under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and Undertaking waste water upgrades at EPA designated priority areas.
Furthermore, a range of investment relating to the Circular Economy will also be delivered over the coming years.
These are just some of the many investments which will be delivered under this NSO in the coming years to support Project Ireland 2040. Further details on projects, by NSO, can be found on the investment tracker on gov.ie/2040.
Flood Risk Management
Ceisteanna (106, 111)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:106. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress to date on the €7 million investment in the removal of the pinch points on the River Shannon which will address the scale of summer flooding in the Shannon Callows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53578/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDenis Naughten
Ceist:111. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the €7 million allocated in December 2019 to alleviate constrictions to the flow of water in the Shannon Callows between Athlone and Meelick will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54977/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 111 together.
The Government has noted the study by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group that supports a programme of strategic maintenance to help mitigate flooding along the Shannon and a further study on the removal of a series of constrictions or ‘pinch points’ through the Shannon Callows that can help to delay flooding in the area. The Government has agreed that the OPW will provide €7m for all of these works, of which €4m relates to the removal of ‘pinch points’ through the Shannon Callows.
Work is advancing to progress the project for the removal of ‘pinch points’ in the Shannon Callows. A Steering Group is in place to oversee this project and it last met on 20 October, 2021. A scope of work has been drafted for the appointment of a consultant to identify and manage all of the activities that are necessary to progress through the planning process to enable the commencement of the works. This includes the identification and completion of all environmental requirements. The draft scope of work for these services has been circulated to the Shannon Group for approval to progress to tendering. Waterways Ireland, on behalf of the Shannon Group, has agreed to act as the Contracting Authority for this project. It is anticipated that the tendering process will commence in the coming weeks.
The works can only commence following completion of the appropriate environmental assessments and following receipt of planning permission. This is a time intensive process and there are a range of variables outside the control of the Shannon Group that may impact on the overall timescale for delivery of the project.
Public Sector Pay
Ceisteanna (107)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which FEMPI has restored or continues to restore relevant incomes in accordance with agreements to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55829/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The process of unwinding the Financial Emergency (FEMPI) legislation commenced under the Lansdowne Road Agreement 2016 – 2018, with the remainder of the process largely completed under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 – 2020 (PSSA). This will continue under ‘Building Momentum: A New Public Service Agreement, 2021 – 2022’.
At this point, salary rates up to €150,000, which account for 99% of the public service, have been fully restored. Section 20 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 sets out restoration for public servants with annualised basic salaries above €150,000, which is due on 1 July 2022 and will complete the unwinding of FEMPI in relation to pay.
Each year, under the terms of the FEMPI Act 2013, I am obliged to carry out an annual review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the FEMPI Acts, having regard to the overall economic conditions in the State and national competitiveness. In this annual review, I am also to consider whether or not any of the provision of the relevant Acts continue to be necessary having regard to the purposes of those Acts, the revenues of the State and State commitments in respect of public service pay and pensions.
The 2021 annual review, a written report of which was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the 25th June 2021, recommended the continuation of the unwinding of the FEMPI measures in line with the provisions enacted in the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017.
Flood Risk Management
Ceisteanna (108)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:108. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood relief works in the Spanish Arch area of Galway city; the cost of same to date; the estimated total cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55882/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised that flood defences in the Spanish Arch and docks area of Galway city are being developed as part of the Coirib go Cósta – Galway City Flood Relief Scheme.
Galway City Council, as Project Sponsor and Contracting Authority, is leading the development of the Scheme, with technical advice and funding provided by the Office of Public Works. The Project is currently in Stage I. This is the stage where scheme development and options appraisal takes place and in which the consultants review and build on the initial proposals in the Corrib River Basin Flood Risk Management Plan, which were developed under the CFRAM Programme.
The objective of the Coirib go Cósta Project is to assess, design and deliver a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Galway city. The Scheme has a preliminary total project budget estimate of €9.5m and expenditure to date on the scheme is approx. €400k. When completed the scheme will protect over 940 properties in the Long Walk, Spanish Arch, Eglinton Canal, Merchants Quay, Raven Terrace, Salthill and Claddagh areas of Galway City from tidal and river flooding.
This scheme represents a significant investment for Galway City, which will be undertaken with all due consideration for regulatory, planning, environmental and social constraints, while achieving the goal of delivering a viable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Galway city.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (109)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:109. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on providing fully accessible changing places and toilet facilities in all publicly accessible Departmental buildings to offer persons with disabilities and carers a network of equipped spaces to take care of personal hygiene in safety and comfort. [55906/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Due to the detailed nature request of this request, I will reply direct to Deputy Cairns
Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 71.
Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 106.
National Development Plan
Ceisteanna (112)
James Lawless
Ceist:112. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an overview of NSO 1 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55874/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset it should be noted that my Department, in carrying out its role in coordinating the NDP Review, does not consider the merit of individual projects or sectoral policy strategies as this is primarily a matter for individual Departments and Agencies.
With that point noted, I am glad to give the Deputy a summary of the NSO 1 which aims to secure the sustainable growth of more compact urban and rural settlements supported by jobs, housing and essential services.
Carefully managing the sustainable growth of compact cities, towns and villages will add value and create more attractive places in which people can live and work. This is a fundamental principle of the National Planning Framework which the NDP is seeking to deliver.
This NDP has a particular focus on supporting the largest public housing programme in the history of the state. ‘Housing for All’ is the relevant sectoral strategy and aims to deliver 33,000 new homes every year for the next nine years, including an average of 10,000 new social homes and an average of 6,000 affordable homes each year. Capital envelopes have been set for the period 2022-2025 and will deliver an increasing number of new build homes each year for this period.
Additional investment priorities include a new fund, Croi Conaithe, to improve the viability of apartment construction in high density urban areas. The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund is aimed at supporting the regeneration and rejuvenation of our towns and cities with particular focus on compact growth. There were 87 projects approved across the country under call one and 45 projects are approved under call two. The largest example is the Cork City Docklands redevelopment of over €350 million.
A particular example is the Shanganagh Housing Development in South Dublin. The project will unlock state land for new homes and is a large mixed tenure housing development expected to deliver 600 residential units of Affordable purchase homes, cost rental apartment and social homes. All phases are due to be completed by mid-2025.
These are just some of the many investments which will be delivered under this NSO in the coming years to support Project Ireland 2040. Further details on projects, by NSO, can be found on the MyProjectIreland mapping tool on gov.ie/2040
Exchequer Returns
Ceisteanna (113)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:113. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of dividend to the Exchequer from the ESB and a company (details supplied) for 2020 and 2021; if this revenue is earmarked for specific expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55671/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The ESB paid a dividend of €77.6m in respect of 2020.
Ervia paid a dividend of €38.438m in respect of 2020.
Neither the ESB nor Ervia have paid a dividend in respect of 2021 at this time.
The payments are not earmarked for a particular purpose.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (114, 118)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:114. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of allocating the portion of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve due to be disbursed in 2022; and if it will be ensured that primary producers are prioritised for support. [55909/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:118. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55886/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 118 together.
The Brexit Adjustment Reserve represents an important response by the European Union to the challenges posed by the UK’s departure from the EU and is an important expression of solidarity with Ireland.
Ireland will receive just over €1 billion of Brexit funding, the biggest single allocation for any Member State, representing just over 20% of the total fund. As the Member State most impacted by Brexit, it is appropriate that we would be the largest beneficiary.
The purpose of the Reserve is to help counter the adverse economic and social consequences of Brexit in the sectors and Member States that are worst affected.
In Ireland's case, BAR funding will be directed at areas such as enterprise supports; supports for the fisheries and agri-food sectors, reskilling and retraining; and checks and controls at our ports and airports.
To qualify for BAR funding, the expenditure must be incurred between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023. Notwithstanding that expenditure has already been incurred over 2020 and 2021 that would be eligible for BAR funding, the Government has decided that the full amount of funding is to be applied to expenditure over the years 2022 and 2023. This funding is additional to core Departmental expenditure allocations.
The allocation of BAR resources will be aligned with the annual Estimates process, which has been the vehicle for allocating Brexit resources since the UK Referendum in 2016. Funding under the BAR will be allocated to affected sectors in tranches when the eligibility requirements have been subject to a full assessment. These allocations will be made across 2022 and 2023 in Revised Estimates, or Supplementary Estimates, as appropriate.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (115)
Mark Ward
Ceist:115. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are plans to bring the entrance level wage in the Defence Forces up to the living wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46655/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Defence Force personnel, like all other public service worker are covered by general public service pay policy. In that regard, I would point out some key features of the current public service pay agreement, Building Momentum. This agreement is heavily weighted towards those at lower incomes, including many entry level grades across the public service. There is a headline increase of approximately 5% for the lowest paid public servants. In accordance with the agreement, on 1 October, 2021 a general round increase of 1% or €500 (whichever is greater) was applied to annualised basic salaries of public servants including Defence Force personnel. The agreement also provides for the equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund (in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement) on 1 February 2022 and a further general round increase of 1% or €500 on 1 October, 2022.
It is important that Ireland’s statutory National Minimum Wage and the Living Wage concept are not confused. The Living Wage has no legislative basis and is not a statutory entitlement. More broadly, the Low Pay Commission has, on request of the Government, formally begun work on examining how Ireland could move towards a Living Wage. The study will examine the design of a living wage in an Irish context and consider the policy, social and economic implications. It is expected that the report will be completed before the end of the year.
National Development Plan
Ceisteanna (116)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:116. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an overview of NSO 5 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55876/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset it should be noted that my Department, in carrying out its role in coordinating the NDP Review, does not consider the merit of individual projects or sectoral policy strategies as this is primarily a matter for individual Departments and Agencies.
However I would be happy to give an overview of NSO 5 which aims to deliver A Strong Economy, supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills.
A competitive, innovative and resilient enterprise base is essential to provide high-quality jobs and employment opportunities for people to live and prosper in all regions. While the impacts of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to challenge businesses in the first part of the decade, the digitalisation of entire sectors and the transition to a low-carbon economy will be even more transformative.
Sectoral strategies include the Economic Recovery Plan, the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, the National Further Education and Training Strategy, and new National Strategy for Research and Innovation which is being developed.
Investment priorities on the enterprise side include: a Green Transition Fund – driving decarbonisation and enterprise resilience in the transition to a low carbon economy; a Digital Transition Fund – building a future focussed SME base; establishing the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs; Brexit Business Transformation through firm level assistance – including delivery of the Agri-Food Transformation Fund; and the expanding IDA Ireland Regional Property Programme – attracting investment to regional locations.
Investment priorities in higher education include the need for expansion to cater for demographics and skills development with projects planned for:
- Maynooth University Technology Society and Innovation Building
- UCD Future Campus Project
- Cork University Business School
- NUI Galway Learning Commons
- IT Sligo Central Campus Extension
- LIT Coonagh Engineering Campus
A significant step up in funding for Further Education and Training infrastructure is envisaged under this NDP. Continued investment in research and innovation will support Ireland’s economic and societal transformation. The funding provided in the NDP will also deliver a new National Cyber Security Centre.
These are just some of the many investments which will be delivered under this NSO in the coming years to support Project Ireland 2040. Further details are contained in chapter 10 of the NDP.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (117, 244, 252)
Mick Barry
Ceist:117. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures he will support in terms of a Covid-19 bonus for workers; if he will support an annual extra bank holiday as part of such a bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55897/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Lawless
Ceist:244. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if members of the Defence Forces will share in a pandemic bonus scheme for front-line public sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47123/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which examination of ways and means to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of front-line workers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic is ongoing; the options available to him to reward such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56142/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 244 and 252 together.
The Government acknowledges the contribution of our frontline workers and all workers across the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government has committed to looking at the issue of recognition for efforts during COVID-19. As part of this process Government officials engaged with employee and employer representatives prior to the LEEF meeting, which was held on 28 October.
There was a constructive discussion at the LEEF meeting and the Government will now consider a number of matters arising from that discussion.
Question No. 118 answered with Question No. 114.
EU Programmes
Ceisteanna (119)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on recent developments in relation to the 2021-2027 PEACE PLUS EU Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55861/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased to report that the new PEACE PLUS programme is now at an advanced stage of development and has passed a number of significant milestones in recent weeks.
This major new cross-border EU programme was proposed by the European Commission in 2018, in a strong signal of its continued support for peace and reconciliation and for North South cooperation on the island of Ireland. PEACE PLUS will succeed the previous INTERREG and PEACE programmes by combining these funding streams into one cohesive new programme covering an eligible area of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland – i.e. Counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo.
Programme development has been led by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), a North South Implementation Body under the joint sponsorship of my Department and the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland. The SEUPB has conducted extensive stakeholder consultation in order to produce a draft programme based on six thematic investment areas:
- Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities;
- Delivering Economic Regeneration and Transformation;
- Empowering and Investing in our Young People;
- Healthy and Inclusive Communities;
- Supporting a Sustainable Future;
- Building and Embedding Partnership and Collaboration.
Full details on the draft programme and these investment areas are available at www.seupb.eu/peaceplus, and I encourage all interested stakeholders to visit and learn more about this exciting new programme.
The PEACE PLUS programme is expected to have a total value of over €1.1bn. This is more than twice the value of the current cross-border INTERREG and PEACE programmes combined, and reflects the scale and ambition of the PEACE PLUS programme. A formal Financing Agreement to underpin the programme is being finalised between the EU, the UK and Ireland.
I am pleased to note that the draft programme was approved by Government on 7 October last, by the Northern Ireland Executive on 13 October and by the North South Ministerial Council on 14 October.
The draft programme will be submitted shortly to the European Commission for its consideration and final approval. This will allow for a formal launch of PEACE PLUS during 2022, with a view to the first funding approvals taking place later that year.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (120)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:120. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cumulative additional expenditure undertaken as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55887/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Significant supports have been put in place by Government across 2020 and 2021 to respond to the impacts of Covid-19. This funding has been critical in supporting citizens and businesses impacted by the pandemic and providing the necessary funding to allow our key public services respond effectively to the crisis.
Following the onset of the pandemic last year, over €16½ billion for measures to respond to the impacts of Covid-19 was allocated to Departments during 2020. This allowed for the introduction of a wide range of measures including income and employment support schemes such as the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), and Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS); and business supports such as restart grants and commercial rates waivers. Significant additional funding was allocated to support our health service in responding to the impact of the pandemic; support the operation of public transport; and support the reopening of the Education sector.
Provision for up to almost €15 billion in Covid-19 related spending was made for 2021 following the publication of the Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) in June which included measures such as the further extension of the PUP and EWSS. This €15 billion provision included funding already allocated to Departments, the remaining funding held in the Contingency Reserve and Recovery Fund, and an additional funding requirement arising from the ERP measures. Given the improving labour market as restrictions unwound, the amount now expected to be required to be allocated to Departments for Covid-19 related measures in 2021 was revised to almost €13.4 billion in the Budget 2022 Expenditure Report.
Under Budget 2022, provision of up to €6.8 billion will be made available to fund Covid-19 related measures next year. €2.8 billion of this was included in Departmental Estimates in the Expenditure Report while €4 billion was held in reserve to be allocated during 2022. This reserve will provide scope for Government to respond to any challenges posed by any deterioration of the situation with the virus next year. Additional to this, funding of €0.2 billion has also been allocated for 2022 under Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Budget Process
Ceisteanna (121)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role he sees for reform in the area of meeting public expenditure requirements in the future; the extent to which he continues to monitor all Departments in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55830/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Over the last number of years, a range of reforms has been implemented in order to enhance Ireland’s budgetary framework and ensure that expenditure is managed in an efficient and effective way. The intention of these reforms is to increase transparency around the budgetary process and to facilitate meaningful dialogue around key elements of the Budget and on what is being achieved with public funds. These reforms have given greater emphasis to:
- demonstrating how public money is used;
- utilising evidence to inform policy-making; and
- developing the capacity of the civil service to undertake evidence informed policy work.
Central to these reforms is the ‘whole-of-year’ budgetary framework. This refers to an ongoing consideration of budgetary priorities throughout the year, rather than focusing budget discussions only around Budget Day. An important element of this is the publication at key points in the year of a range of documents including the Public Service Performance Report, the Summer Economic Statement, the Mid-Year Expenditure Report, and the Spending Review papers. These publications seek to support enhanced transparency and engagement in relation to budgetary issues.
Improving and supporting the evaluation capacity within Government Departments has also formed an important part of the reform programme. Supported by the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service, this has led to the development of a number of additional processes and reports to support the budgetary framework.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing reform and improvement of the budgetary process, including an enhanced focus across Government on issues of performance and national well-being. In implementing further reforms, my Department will look to build on the budgetary reforms already in place and the significant work on public service reform already completed. Adopting this approach will support stronger dialogue on key elements of budgetary policy and will help to facilitate the continued development of budgetary decisions, consistent with the maintenance of stable public finances.