Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We can go through each one individually. For example, as can be seen from the explanation of office equipment and external IT services, this subhead provides for the ongoing development of ICT and geographic information systems in the Valuation Office. We are doing a huge amount of work. All of this relates to the Valuation Office. New legislation is going through the House. Much revaluation is taking place and we are providing sound systems, for example, in IT and so on. Therefore, there is an increase in the sums available for office equipment and external IT services.

The increase in office premises expenses was, I understand, for repairs needed which were not carried out in 2012, as expected, but are carried over to this year. The amount for fees to counsel is a token figure and is the same amount as for last year. We did not spend any money on counsel. It is clear that the outturn figure of €73,000 compared to zilch is a 100% increase but is exactly the same as the provision last year. Most of the subheads are reduced compared with the original 2012 voted figure.