Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 12: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will bring forward revised spending Estimates for 2008 in view of the steeper than expected decline in Exchequer returns, the steeper than expected increase in the live register and higher than expected inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15627/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The 2008 spending plans were set out in detail in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2008 which were published on 21 February 2008. The Estimates provide for total gross expenditure of just under €62 billion made up of approximately €53 billion current expenditure and €9 billion capital expenditure. These are the settled spending allocations with which all Government Departments and Agencies must comply. The end-March Exchequer returns showed that expenditure was broadly on target for the first three months of 2008. The question of bringing forward revised spending plans does not arise, and I have no plans to do so.