Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I indicated in response to the previous question, the primary objective of recent budgets has been to restore stability to the public finances.  In this context, it has been of vital importance to every member of the Government to spread the burden of adjustment in as fair and as equitable a manner as possible to protect the most vulnerable people in society and stimulate economic growth and jobs-rich recovery. As the Deputy knows, expenditure on health, education and social protection accounts for over 80% of gross voted current expenditure. In implementing the budgetary adjustments required to achieve a successful exit from the troika programme, the Government has sought to protect front-line spending in these areas. We have allocated €19.6 billion to the Department of Social Protection in 2014. In allocating this amount, we have maintained the primary weekly rates of social welfare payments since this Government took office. Similarly, in the area of education, the Government has sought to protect funding in respect of DEIS resources. This funding is provided in addition to the normal funds allocated to tackle educational disadvantage by prioritising the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities from preschool right through second level education.

As the Deputy is aware, there have been a number of reforms to the budgetary process at national and EU levels. These reforms can assist the Oireachtas and the Deputy in timely consideration of the Government's expenditure plans. In line with the new budgetary timetable, a Revised Estimates Volume was published on 18 December last. This new timetable allows for earlier consideration of the Estimates by each relevant line committee of the Oireachtas.  The Revised Estimates Volume has been expanded so that each Department and office now reports on key performance indicators that are relevant to its area of operation.  The purpose of this is to show what services are being purchased with voted moneys and the impact of these services on Irish citizens and Irish society in general.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

When making Government decisions on budget matters, the Government is aware of gender equality issues, people experiencing or at risk of poverty or social exclusion and people with disabilities. Expenditure measures and policy proposals are being submitted to my Department as part of the second comprehensive review of expenditure.  The final proposals will be carefully considered by the Government in advance of finalising the 2015 Estimates. On budget day, in relation to distributional analysis, the Government will publish illustrative cases showing the effect of major changes in revenue and certain social welfare payments.

See this speech in context