Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3019/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am assuming the Deputy's question refers to the Efficiency Review exercise which was announced by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in his Budget Day speech in December 2007.

In line with the Tánaiste's announcement, my Department was asked to provide the Department of Finance, by 1 March 2008, with a list of specific actionable proposals to maximise efficiencies gains in spending areas under the aegis of my Department. An exercise to identify potential efficiencies in my Department, its Offices and its agencies is currently being carried out and will be completed in time to meet the 1 March deadline set by the Department of Finance.

The exercise is being conducted by relevant staff of my Department, its Offices and agencies as part of their day-to-day activities. The salary and overhead costs of these staff are included as part of my Department's budget for 2008. Therefore, no specific additional costs have arisen at this point in time.

It is envisaged that proposals which my Department forwards to the Department of Finance under the Efficiency Review will be considered by the Tánaiste and the Government, along with proposals from other Departments. The question of publishing the outcome of the Efficiency Review will be a matter for the Government to decide upon in due course.