Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The achievement of our expenditure targets is a key element of the required fiscal consolidation in 2013. To this end my Department is rigorously monitoring all current and capital expenditure, with Departments and offices reporting to us on expenditure issues from the Exchequer on a monthly basis.

The key points to note in relation to 2013 expenditure are that all Ministers and their Departments are closely involved in managing their expenditure; overall spending for the year to date is 2.3% under profile; and in aggregate, voted expenditure for 2013 will be on target. This means that we will achieve our 2013 fiscal targets.

At the end of October 2013, net total voted expenditure was €844 million within profile, as I have already indicated. Expenditure is being managed well within profile, although the figures indicate that there are some pressures in the justice group and health group of Votes. A Supplementary Estimate will be required in the justice group, primarily to deal with pressures relating to Garda pay, and also to allow for certain other additional expenditure including the first of the payments to the women who were admitted to and worked in the Magdalene Laundries. The position on the health Estimate remains under review and the Department of Health is working to contain the level of the Supplementary Estimate needed.

A Supplementary Estimate will be required in respect of transport projects funded from the stimulus package I announced earlier this year. A small number of Supplementary Estimates will also be required to allow for some movement of financial allocations but which will be Exchequer neutral. While it remains a matter for each Minister and their Departments to ensure adherence to the Vote, my Department is in regular communication with line Departments about monitoring expenditure to ensure that any risks arising from overruns are addressed.

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