Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to have the opportunity to address the committee again on the 2016 Estimates for my Department. These Estimates were originally considered by the committee on 5 July this year and voted by the Dáil on 7 July. While the Estimates took account of the transfer of functions and resources from my Department to include new responsibilities regarding regional and rural affairs, they did not take account of the change in name of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A further Revised Estimate is necessary to effect this name change.

No adjustment of resources or functions is required as part of this further Revised Estimate, given that any such transfers were included in the Revised Estimate voted by the Dáil on 7 July. This means the gross provision available to my Department in 2016 remains at just over €382 million. In broad terms, the breakdown of allocations remains as follows: €188 million for arts, culture and film; €44 million for the conservation and protection of Ireland's built and natural heritage; €51 million for the Irish language, the Gaeltacht and the islands; in excess of €37 million for North-South co-operation; and more than €61 million for regional development and rural affairs.

The performance, expenditure and targets of my Department during the first half of 2016 were considered by the Oireachtas joint committee on 28 September. Since then, progress continues to be made on the delivery of commitments across all programme areas. I remain committed to working with all stakeholders, including Oireachtas colleagues, in delivering on identified priorities and progressing the measures set out in A Programme for a Partnership Government. While I cannot accurately predict the full year outturn, all current funding is expected to be spent in full and no capital savings beyond those which can be carried forward by deferred surrender into 2017 are envisaged. All expenditure within my Department's Vote will continue to be carefully monitored between now and the end of the year to ensure the best use of all financial resources.