Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has carried out an efficiency savings analysis with a view to cutting out unnecessary costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30227/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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A review of efficiency savings is carried out by my Department each year in accordance with the terms of the Administrative Budget Agreement between my Department and the Department of Finance.

The Agreement requires my Department to achieve efficiency savings equivalent to 2% of the total basic running cost of the Department each year. These efficiencies may be achieved, for example, by financing the cost of new services during the year from savings elsewhere in the Department's existing Administrative Budget allocation.

Failure to achieve the efficiency savings in any year may result in a reduction, by the Department of Finance, in the allocation to my Department's running costs for the following year. My Department has consistently been able to demonstrate that it has achieved the required level of efficiency savings.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason on his Department's website, it is stated that the total capital cost of the National Aquatic Centre was €70.5 million when the previously stated cost was €63 million; if this is so, the reason for the overrun; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30132/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Both figures relating to the capital cost of the National Aquatic Centre and cited by the Deputy represent rounded up figures. The figures are compatible with each other, the differential arising from the VAT element of the capital cost. Inclusive of VAT the cost of the National Aquatic Centre comes to €70.5 million. Net of VAT, the cost of the project comes to €62.5 million. The National Aquatic Centre project was delivered on time and within budget.