Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I am not a member of this committee, I found this meeting to be an interesting experience, particularly as the Minister and Minister of State have announced so much good news in the Revised Estimate. It is great that more money is being made available for such worthy initiatives.

The town and village renewal scheme, a worthwhile Government initiative, has been provided with many millions of euro this year. Will the Minister provide an update on the scheme?

I gather extensive funding is being provided for arts centres in the regions, which I have long supported. The increase in expenditure is very welcome and I congratulate the Minister on having secured this increased commitment on behalf of her Department.

What is the reason for the 12% decrease in the allocation for capital expenditure? Has funding for capital programmes decreased? I gather funding for current expenditure has increased. What is the reason for the decrease in capital expenditure?