Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With regard to the supplementary questions arising from the question on the Estimates, it is important to point out that there has been a reduction of 22%. It is not true to say there has been an increase in PR or consultancy spending. That is not correct. In fact, consultancy provision in the Department's Vote in 2008, under subhead A7, was €275,000, and this has been reduced to €118,000 as a result of the Government's decision to cut consultancy costs by 50%. Along with further budget day cuts, this results in a total reduction of 57% over the 2008 provision. Every effort was made by the Department to minimise its budget in that area. The consultancy provision in my Department's Vote, as I said, is quite small.

With regard to the other savings, reductions of €3.583 million were obtained. A total of €2.013 million in reductions will be made across the programme subheads in the Vote, while reductions of €170,000 will be made across administrative subheads. For example, the National Forum on Europe will be closed, with a reduction of €1.853 million. Other reductions across programme subheads include €110,000 for the National Economic and Social Development Office, €10,000 for commemoration initiatives, and €24,000 for the Ireland Newfoundland partnership. These are in addition to earlier reductions across all subheads in last October's budget, resulting in reduced allocations in these subheads of at least 15% in each programme subhead and of 36% across the total programme provision in the Vote. As a result of the Government decision of 8 July last regarding measures for expenditure control, substantial savings were achieved across the programme subheads through a combination of administrative efficiencies. These savings will continue to be realised during the course of this year.

A question was raised regarding the 10% reduction in private office costs. Since taking office I have asked that all areas of expenditure in my private offices and those of the Ministers of State in my Department be reviewed to identify where savings could be achieved. Staffing arrangements in my office have been reorganised, resulting in the redeployment of two members of staff, and I have asked that a reduction in overtime costs be achieved in the future. I have also instructed staff to obtain better value in foreign travel, official entertainment and the range of administrative costs associated with the running of these offices through reviews of processes and procurement practices in order to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Regarding speculation about a document held by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the matter is best dealt with by the Minister concerned. It is not intended to change the allocation that has been made available for the Moriarty tribunal this year.

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