Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. In general, over the course of the Estimates process, we agree a budget for a particular Vote or area for the following year. That involves detailed negotiation, initially at official level, going through all the various subheads and looking at the needs of that particular body or Department. It is then negotiated at ministerial level and adopted as part of the budget, although it is fleshed out further if necessary in the Revised Estimates Volume for the year ahead. That is what we do. It is really a matter for the relevant Accounting Officer to properly account for the expenditure under his or her area of responsibility and ensure there is full compliance with the public spending code and value for money is secured at all times. Those are some of the key pillars on which our expenditure management strategy is based.

Despite what people might think, we do not micromanage everything from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. There is extensive ongoing contact between my officials and the officials in relevant line Departments. There are reporting requirements and channels used on an ongoing basis. If any issue of concern came to our attention or was raised by my officials, we would intervene. In general, however, it is a matter for the Accounting Officer of the relevant budget head to manage the expenditure, including on advertising.