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

I agree that a multi-annual budget would be preferable for the IDA and that it is difficult for the agency to plan. Nevertheless, the money for this year has not been spent and it will receive the money when it needs it. The Department has made a commitment that when the IDA needs the money to fund a building programme, it will receive it. Public accounts are controlled on a cash basis and to change that would be a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. That is the way that public funding operates. My Department's budget is subject to the annual Estimates process, although the national development plan sets out our capital allocations until 2022, which gives some certainty. Even though the IDA cannot spend the money this year, it will certainly receive it when it needs it.