Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy that there is no advantage for me in not spending the money, otherwise it reverts to the Exchequer. I will see to it, as far as I possibly can, that the Department spends every euro it receives, and not only the euro but also the cent. Last year, the Department was within €100,000 of a total spend and that is as good as one can hope for.

There are variables to be taken into account. It can sometimes be difficult to ascertain details of the spend at certain times of the year. For example, I have been asking local authorities to send in bills for the money spent to date this year to have some information on the work completed. It has been a tradition for local authorities to send in all the bills at the end of the year. I find it strange that they would not look for the money because my Department wants to give them the money and it makes budgeting more difficult. The Department has been in constant contact with local authorities, suggesting that they send in quarterly bills for the work done. It would provide the Department with a better fix on the work done and enable it to budget better.

As Minister, I keep a very close eye on the situation. I must ensure that I do not overspend. The Deputy can rest assured that my target is to hit it right on the button at the end of the year and to ensure that all the funds given to the Department are spent. It is difficult enough to acquire the funding and it is preferable to spend it.

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