Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. Thar mo cheann agus thar ceann an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Buttimer, táimid an-bhuíoch den choiste, den chléireach agus den Chathaoirleach as an deis seo chun obair na Roinne don chéad cúig bliana eile a phlé.

We have already had a discussion about the estimates in the select committee but I welcome the chance to speak to the joint committee on our priorities for the next five years. The Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, and I will be working closely on these priorities and will continue to grow the Department. I thank the officials in the Department who work closely with us in these priorities throughout the country.

As the committee will know, for 2025, gross expenditure of €575 million is budgeted, consisting of €317 million in current expenditure and €258 million in capital expenditure. Regarding the split across programme areas, €212.7 million is allocated for the rural development and the islands programme area; €249.5 million is allocated for the community development programme; a further €6 million is allocated for the work of the Charities Regulator; and €106.7 million is allocated for the Gaeltacht programme area.

The €212.7 million provided for the rural development programme, including the islands, is made up of €170.4 million in capital funding-----