Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 306: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on cost saving measures he plans introducing in the second half of 2008; if such measures will affect the delivery of front-line services to the public; and the programmes that will be postponed or discontinued as a result of such cost savings. [27309/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under both of my Department's votes, Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation), every effort is made, on an ongoing basis, to ensure that costs are kept under control and that value for money is obtained for all public expenditure.

In line with the decision of the Government on the savings to be achieved this year, as announced by the Minister for Finance on 8th July, my Department will make administrative savings totalling €2.138 million in the second half of 2008.

The precise detail of the measures to be taken to achieve these savings is still being worked out.

In addition, as the Deputy will be aware, there will be a reduction of €45 million in Vote 29, the Irish Aid programme. However, even with this reduction, I am confident that we will meet the target we have set of spending 0.54% of GNP on official development assistance this year. This reduction will be spread across the programmes to minimise the impact on any particular area. The protection of front-line services to members of the public is at all times a priority for me and will remain so.