Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 81: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of departmental initiatives in which expenditure has been evaluated since the beginning of 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10789/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The main manner in which expenditure is formally evaluated in my Department is through the Government programme of Value for Money Reviews, formerly called Expenditure Reviews. The objectives of these reviews, which were introduced in 1997, are to analyse Exchequer funding in a systematic manner and to provide a basis on which more informed policy and expenditure decisions can be made.

At present, expenditure on five policy areas is being evaluated as follows: Review of Teacher Education and Development; Review of ICT Undergraduate Skills Programme; Review of Youthreach and Senior Travelling Training Centres; Review of the ICT Schools Support Service; and Review of the Youth Encounter Projects. In addition, two further Value for Money Reviews will be undertaken in 2007, as follows: Review of Insurance Arrangements for Schools; and Review of the Summer Works Scheme.

Over and above this, my Department, through its line management divisions, examines on an ongoing basis particular issues and programmes as part of the general obligation on public sector managers to ensure that State funds are utilised in an efficient and effective manner.