Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the fact that the only area under his Department which has secured an increase in 2009 is the administration section; the way this equates with the stated target of a 3% cost reduction in his Department; if this money could have been better spent in other areas, such as front line arts and sports provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41117/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In the case of the Department, the payroll element of the Administrative Budget has been under funded in previous years with the shortfall being met by transferring savings within the overall Administrative Budget in line with the terms of the Administrative Budget Agreement with the Department of Finance, an option that will be restricted in 2009. As the payroll cost for 2008 is projected to be in excess of €10.7 million the pay provision for 2009 of €10.39 million represents a decrease of 3% on the actual cost for 2008.