Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 202: To ask the Minister for Finance the person who will be accountable and personally responsible for the spending of €184 billion on the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 over the next seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3873/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer the Deputy to Chapter 13 of the Plan which deals with the monitoring, management and implementation arrangements for the NDP 2007-2013. In general, implementation of NDP investment at programme and project level will be the responsibility of the relevant Government Department and Agency. Project selection and implementation will be subject to compliance with guidance set down in relation to capital appraisal and management, procurement etc. as referred to in Chapter 12 of the Plan. Project selection will also be required to take full account of the horizontal objectives of Regional Development, Environmental Sustainability, the All-Island dimension and development of the Rural Economy. This model builds on the good practice now in place whereby capital projects are generally being effectively rolled out. In relation to Exchequer funded expenditure, the normal annual accountability process under Public Financial Procedures, involving Estimates consideration by the Dáil and scrutiny by the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee, will apply.

The establishment of a single accountable person or entity for all Plan expenditure is not seen as a practical or effective proposition in these circumstances. In my view it would only add a further supervisory layer to a process which requires speedy and effective delivery by the various implementing agencies.

I do accept that there should be robust central monitoring of Plan progress. This will be the responsibility, within the above framework, of the Sectoral Policy Division in my Department. In addition, a Central Monitoring Committee will be established to monitor implementation of the Plan. The Committee will be chaired by my Department. A special Unit within the Sectoral Policy Division of the Department will provide the Secretariat to the Monitoring Committee as well as coordinating ongoing oversight of NDP monitoring and implementation. Enhanced accountability will be delivered through the submission to the Oireachtas of a dedicated Annual Report on Plan progress.