Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Departmental Expenditure

9:00 pm

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 921: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the savings outlined in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings that will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1251/10]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The savings measures proposed for my Department are set out in tabular form on page 36 of Volume I of the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. The following table outlines the status of these proposed measures in terms of Budget 2010.

As the Deputy is aware the report of the Special Group outlined a wide range of proposals across all Departments, a number of which, if agreed to proceed, can only be achieved through restructuring over a number of years. The consideration of the proposals for my Department and the Agencies under its aegis is ongoing and initial progress has been made in relation to certain proposals. In addition, my Department has committed to current savings amounting to €13 million over the 2009 Estimate in 2010. The details of the programme changes that will be made by my Department in order to achieve these savings for 2010 are as set out on pages E. 64 and E. 65 of the 2010 Estimates for Public Services and Summary Public Capital Programme.

Savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes
Merge DHDA with EI/IDAStructural – not included in Budget 2010
Merge ComReg with BAIStructural – not included in Budget 2010
Transfer IFCO into BAIStructural – not included in Budget 2010
Partially fund TG4 from TV LicenceNot included in Budget 2010 but direct Exchequer subvention to TG4 reduced by €2.083 million
Terminate DCENR/SEI energy awareness programmes Separate budget for Energy Efficiency Awareness eliminated (€0.894 million saving)
Rationalise multiplicity of energy efficiency schemes run by SEI Being rationalised in the context of the multi-annual National Retrofit Programme announced in Budget 2010
Transfer energy research funding to new single funding stream for all researchStructural – not included in Budget 2010
Review operations of Bord na Móna to achieve optimal value Will be done on an ongoing basis – any potential savings arising would not accrue to the Exchequer
Merge OSi and the Valuation Office with the PRA Structural – not included in Budget 2010
Secure efficiencies/increased revenue worth 20% of GSI's operating costs DCENR proposes to undertake Value for Money Review of GSI in 2010 to secure efficiencies/increased revenue
Secure additional savings from the merger of the regional fisheries boards Merger will take place in 2010 and direct Exchequer funding for Inland Fisheries reduced by €3.145 million
Transfer responsibility for Inland Fisheries from DCENR to DEHLG Structural – not included in Budget 2010
Reduce DCENR authorised number of civil servants by 30 postsDCENR has achieved target
Reduce DCENR agency staff by 76Structural – not included in Budget 2010

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