Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has carried out an efficiency savings analysis with a view to cutting out unnecessary costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30226/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is currently undertaking a 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. One of the core evaluation questions of these reviews centres on the efficiency with which programmes are being run.

The following Value for Money Reviews are currently underway in my Department:

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

Review of the Youth Encounter Projects

Review of Insurance Arrangements for Schools

Review of the Summer Works Scheme.

In addition, 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.