Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív. I thank the Seanadóir for raising this matter.

In 2008, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs sanctioned a programme of works to the value of €283,181 for Donegal County Council. The county council informed the Department that there would be additional costs of €91,841 to complete the works on 20 of those roads. The reasons given were the increases in the cost of materials and labour, and that the standard of the roads had deteriorated since the estimates on which the grants were based were originally carried out.

The significant increase to the works programme is a matter of concern to the Minister's Department, and his officials are currently examining the case. As the Senator will understand, when spending public moneys it is essential to ensure we get the best value possible.

Other relevant circumstances must be taken into account when decisions are being made on the provision of monetary support such as outstanding commitments, annual budgets and the allocations for the following years.

The economic circumstances of the State have changed greatly in the past year, and therefore the Senator will understand that a final decision cannot be made in this case until the allocations for this year have been carefully examined by the Department. The Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, expects this will be done shortly. I thank the Senator for raising the matter.