Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number and subject matter of value for money reviews that have been planned and completed in each of the past five years; the value of the programme involved; and the savings that have been generated in each case by implementing the recommendations. [31272/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The following reviews were planned and completed between 1st January 2005 and 8th July 2010:

1. Expenditure Review of Science & Technology spending (completed in 2006),

2. Expenditure Review of Science Foundation Ireland (completed in 2008), and

3. Expenditure Review of the FÁS Competency Development Programme (Completed in July 2010).

In addition, two Reviews are planned to commence this year:

1. NERA / HSA inspections, and

2. Enterprise Stabilisation Fund.

In respect of the three Reviews completed during this period, the following is the information in relation to the value of the programme(s) involved and the financial outcomes consequent the respective Review recommendations:

(1) Expenditure Review of Science & Technology Spending:

An Expenditure Review of spending on Science & Technology was undertaken in 2004 and the schemes under review accounted for €79.5million activity in 2004. The Review focussed on the principal Science and Technology measure in place covering Research Technological Development and Innovation in Industry, in particular

The "R & D" Capability Grants Scheme;

The Research Technology & Innovation Competitive Grants Scheme;

The Enterprise Ireland Collaboration Programme.

The Expenditure Review assessed the effectiveness of the Schemes reviewed and made targeted recommendations on the overall usefulness of the agency supports for research and innovation in the business sector and whether they constituted value for money and efficient use of public funds. The findings made a strong case for the continuation of State support for the agency RTDI Competitive, Collaboration and Capability schemes in a more focussed and co-ordinated format. The review also contained comprehensive recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality and quantity of research supported by the enterprise agencies. Many of the recommendations were put into effect by the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation 2006–2013 and the majority have now been implemented by the relevant agencies, thereby ensuring better value for money

(2) Expenditure Review of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI):

The Expenditure Review comprehended €681.2million of grant commitments over the period 2001 – 2006. The purpose of the review of SFI was to examine its major funding programmes and make targeted comments and recommendations on the overall effectiveness of the agency supports in building a world-class research system in Ireland, with a focus on whether the programmes, as operated, constituted value for money (VfM) and efficient use of public funds.

The VfM report made 10 recommendations relating to maintaining the focus of existing SFI operations, which were designed to improve the ongoing implementation and management of the Foundation's programmes and to maximise the future impact and value for money from SFI investments. Many of the recommendations contained in the Report did not lend themselves to the identification of quantifiable savings. However, since publication of the Review, significant progress has been made in implementation of the recommendations and in maximising the impact of SFI's investments.

(3) VfM Review of the FÁS Competency Development Programme (FÁS CDP)

The VfM Review of the FÁS Competency Development Programme (CDP) was completed recently and formally published this week. This Programme served as the primary mechanism within FÁS for supporting the provision of training / upskilling of people in employment and began in 2003. The VFM Review examined programme activity relating to 2006, the budget for which was €33.6 million. The review makes various recommendations on how the CDP could be improved, particularly in relation to monitoring and measurement of outputs.

While no new contracts for CDP activity were entered into since early 2009, as resources had been increasingly allocated to training for unemployed persons, it will primarily be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills to consider the findings of the review and their implications for future CDP-type activity by FÁS now that supervision of FÁS and of skills training policies generally have been transferred to the Department of Education and Skills as of May this year.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number and value of the recommendations of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes that have been implemented in full, in part and not at all; if he will provide in each case the value of savings made as a percentage of the total; and the other cost saving proposals which his Department has proposed as alternatives. [31273/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes made a number of recommendations addressed directly to my Department. I have outlined to the House on a number of occasion – most recently on 29 June in response to a written question from Deputy John McGuinness – my Department's position on each of the recommendations.

Nonetheless, I appreciate that previous replies do not fully cover all aspects of the Deputy's current question. In the time available, it has not been possible for my officials to compile the additional information requested. However, I will write to the Deputy shortly with a comprehensive reply.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if the Estimate formation process for 2011 has commenced; and if he will estimate the overall expenditure reduction planned and its distribution across key programmes. [31274/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the annual Estimates process is coordinated by the Department of Finance. The Minister for Finance presents the Estimates for Public Services each year in conjunction with his annual Budget. As far as 2011 is concerned, the Minister for Finance has previously indicated that a €3 billion adjustment in public expenditure will be required next year to continue the process of stabilising the public finances.

I am currently reviewing all programme areas under my Department's remit to identify any potential expenditure reductions that might contribute to the Minister for Finance's target. The outcome of this review will be a matter for consideration by the Government and will feed in to the finalisation of the 2011 Estimates.