Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

As Deputies will be aware there has been a serious deterioration in the economic and budgetary situation since the budget for 2009 was presented by my colleague, the Minister for Finance. The much more challenging economic situation has significant implications for the evolution of the public finances. The Government is working on a five-year plan to restore balance with an overriding target of eliminating the current budget deficit by 2013. This will mean reductions in the budgets of Departments and I am prepared to make my contribution as part of the effort to the success of this plan.

I am responsible for the arts, sport and tourism Vote, which has an allocation of €563 million in 2009. This comprises Vote 35, Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, and Vote 33, National Gallery of Ireland.

Deputies will be aware that the Government has agreed that 2009 expenditure savings of up to €2 billion should be identified and incorporated into the Revised Estimates. This matter is the subject of Cabinet discussions at present. I will inform the House of the outcome of these deliberations, as they apply to my Department's 2009 allocation, in due course.

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