Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 55: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the details of the increases in expenditure outlined in the existing level of service which are due to demographic change. [26658/07]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the details of the increases in expenditure, outlined in the existing level of service, which are due to the funding of the full year costs of items partially implemented in 2006. [26659/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 56 together.

In relation to the makeup of the increase in Gross Current Expenditure provided for in the Pre-Budget Outlook, I would direct the Deputy's attention to the Chart on page B.10 of that publication.

This Chart shows that the increases for: non-pay demographic and demand-led expenditure account for 35% or €819 million of the gross current increase; non-pay full-year costs account for 6% or €135 million of the gross current increase; increased pay services account for 11% or €265 million of the gross current increase; pay inflation accounts for 36% or €843 million of the gross current increase; and non-pay inflation accounts for 12% or €272 million of the gross current increase.

The individual cost elements relate in the main to the Departments of Social and Family Affairs; Education and Science and the Health Vote Group. A further breakdown of these costs is a matter for the particular Departments concerned.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the detail and cost of Government approved new initiatives sanctioned for implementation which have not been included in the existing level of service expenditures, and which will have to await Budget Day 2008 to ascertain if money will be found to implement them as intended. [26660/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The cost of new spending initiatives will be set out on Budget day together with the Government's overall fiscal funding provisions for 2008. I cannot provide further details at this stage.