Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together.

Savings of up to €35 million will be implemented from my group of Votes, which includes the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Central Statistics Office, CSO, by 2014. The focus of savings is primarily aimed at administrative efficiencies given that most of the expenditure across this group of Votes comprises administrative budgets. The total allocation for my Department in the Estimates set out in the budget book for 2011 is €25.062 million. This is an overall decrease of 15% - €4.394 million - on the 2010 Revised Estimates allocation. This includes a reduction of 15% in the administrative budget. Savings will be achieved through administrative and operational efficiencies as set out in the Department's action plan, which includes commitments with regard to staff numbers, budgets, procurement and shared services. In light of the nature of the work of the Department, the action plan is closely aligned with measures to improve the effectiveness of the Civil Service as a whole, in particular through enhanced mobility and shared service provision.

The outputs of the CSO are demand-driven to a large degree and respond to European Union and national statistical obligations. The CSO has also achieved operational savings and continues to prioritise work programmes in light of emerging budgets. The 2011 allocation for the CSO includes significant additional resources to provide for conducting the 2011 census of population. These resources will be reduced in 2012 and in subsequent years. The outputs of the law offices are also demand-driven. In addition to securing economies and increased operational efficiencies, the law offices have been exerting strong control in respect of expenditure on legal fees. This will be continued in the coming years.

With regard to the measures set out in the national recovery plan to enhance competitiveness, increase active labour market policy efforts and accelerate the rate of economic growth, my Department will support the implementation of these measures through the work of the relevant Cabinet committees and their associated senior officials groups.

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