Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The total amount covered by the reviews is in the order of €6.25 billion during the period concerned. When we introduced expenditure review initiatives previously, we found that one does not get the reports needed if one tries to cover every area of expenditure and assess the situation.

I have indicated that the roll-over reviews that were not done on time will be done in the initial phase of the programme, namely, the first six to 12 months. It was agreed that they would be done and I will make no excuses. In some cases, reviews have not proceeded because of changes in policy, if they are no longer relevant or if other issues took precedence. There has not been the type of output one would expect. I have introduced changes and outlined the various areas that should be addressed.

Some 14% of the Department of Agriculture and Food's budget would be reviewed, an exceptional 45% of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism's budget, 17% of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resource's budget, 31% of the budget of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and 10% of the Department of Defence's budget. Including the reviews not already undertaken by the Department of Education and Science, 10% of its budget will be covered. The total value of the reviews in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will be €231 million or 18% of its budget.

In the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the amount reviewed will be €297 million or 12% of its budget. In the Department of Finance, that figure will be 28% or €31 million. In the Department of Foreign Affairs, the percentage will be 14%. In the case of the Department of Health and Children, the reviews to be conducted will address the allocation and utilisation of funds for acute hospitals, the equal opportunities child care programme and, in the context of mental health services, the efficiency and effectiveness of long-stay residential care for adults. The total cost of these programmes is €1.263 billion or 13% of the Department's allocation.

If we examined other Departments, the position would be similar. The amount is 10% or €211 million in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and €160 million or 38% of the budget of the Office of Public Works, including the provision of flood relief schemes and property management. The Houses have been asked to review 7% of their budget and the Revenue Commissioners will review 5% of their budget. The figures for the Department of Social and Family Affairs is 21% or €2.5 billion and the figure for the Department of Transport is 19% or €407 million. As the Deputy knows, large percentages of some budgets related to pay rather than services.

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