Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Seanad has a limited function in this matter, but it is important we scrutinise it. For future years, I suggest the Seanad examine certain aspects of spending ahead of the debate. This year, we are particularly concerned about the amount of money granted to the health budget and whether we have achieved the best value for money. Indeed, the Committee of Public Accounts is debating that matter now.

The amount of money being agreed for all services provided by the Government is €47.5 billion. As the Bill could be described as a cheque, it is important that it not go undebated. In future, the Seanad could examine those aspects of spending that do not get the headlines. I would not criticise the Committee of Public Accounts for much, but one criticism is that it seems to take on those issues that are popular with the media. In fairness, those issues are usually important and need to be discussed, but other important issues of spending also need to be discussed.

The Seanad, in terms of its purview and approval of the Appropriation Bill, could discuss in detail what is being spent and identify areas where there is waste, although not as a rival of the Committee of Public Accounts in terms of its powers in this area. There are many areas in respect of which there are inefficiencies in terms of spend, although I accept that the Government is trying to reduce these inefficiencies, in particular in the area of procurement of services and spend on capital projects.

On the deferred surrender, as I understand it this is money not spent this year that can be spent next year. In regard to the €132.5 million capital surrender, can the Minister of State confirm if this relates to capital expenditure on roads that could have been but were not built this year? If so, that is a pity. Spend of that €132.5 million would have given a large boost to the economy during the year and might, perhaps, have resulted in the creation of some jobs.

Despite that this debate has taken place at short notice, Fianna Fáil will not, if a vote is called, support either side. I do not believe there is any credibility to be gained by voting against this Bill because the vast majority of the money has been already spent. We should look in the future to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges in terms of how best we deal with this matter given the precedent now set by the Leader, for which I am grateful to him.