Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

As I have just told the House in answer to the previous question, the Government is committed to tackling Ireland's economic crisis in a way that is fair, balanced and which recognises the need for social solidarity. The appropriate level of overall expenditure by my Department will be considered in the context of budget 2012 and subsequent budgets. This consideration will be informed by the commitment in the programme for Government to maintain social welfare rates. There will be an ongoing necessity to curtail overall expenditure in 2012 and in later years. The comprehensive review of expenditure currently under way in all Government Departments and agencies will form the basis for achieving this objective. Draft reviews will be submitted to the steering committee in July and they will be finalised over the summer.

The objectives of the review are to inform the best use of resources and to guide us in achieving the Government's public service reform objectives. Better use of resources will enable us to meet overall fiscal consolidation targets, realign spending with programme for Government priorities, target resources at the most effective programmes and set new objectives so that we can continue to make social welfare payments at appropriate levels, sustaining social cohesion and treating people with dignity. All Departments are covered by the review, with each Department preparing a comprehensive assessment and review of programme savings and the identification of efficiencies and reforms.

Cross-cutting issues which relate to a number of Departments are also being examined. The new expenditure review process is crucial to the success of our Government programme. The outcome of the review will be considered by the Government in September. Any changes to the wide range of schemes and services provided by my Department, including the levels of welfare payments, will be informed by the overall Government-wide options identified in the review to better and more efficiently targeted scarce resources.

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