Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 63 together.

Allocations to most subheads in my Department's Vote will be reduced by varying amounts in the budget, as is the case in all Departments. In the current economic circumstances, we are faced with difficult decisions. The Government has considered a number of measures in the context of the National Recovery Plan 2011-14 to provide the basis for a sustainable approach to the current financial situation. Across the Government, its approach has been to do this in as balanced a way as possible.

Within this context, my primary concern is to make every effort to ensure that the daily front line services that are being provided with funding from my Department are protected, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities. In the prevailing financial circumstances, it is clear that objectives must be pursued with fewer resources than previously. However, I will continue to strive to achieve good outcomes and value for money, notwithstanding these constraints.

Every saving that can be made from cutting down on overheads and administration will be pursued. This is to ensure that the range of urban, rural, Gaeltacht and island communities served by my Department will retain, to the greatest extent possible, the services that have been developed in partnership with them over the years.

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