Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 64: To ask the Taoiseach the extent of any over or under expenditure, capital or current, by Vote, heading or sub-heading to date in 2010 in tabular form; the reason for any surplus or shortfall; if expenditure to date in each case is in line with budgetary projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44773/10]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The table below details my Department's 2010 Estimate Provision and expenditure from 1st January to 29th November 2010.

Department Estimate Provision for 2010 & Outturn as at 29th November 2010

Subheads A1 to A8

My Department will achieve significant savings in a number of subheads in 2010 as a result of efficiencies in procurement practices, the use of central framework agreements and close monitoring of expenditure. The use of e-procurement initiatives such an on-line ordering and tendering has led to improved procurement practices, a reduction in ad-hoc purchasing and the achievement of better value for money across a range of routine purchasing activities have contributed to these savings.

Savings in Subhead A2 Travel and Subsistence are as a result of the reduced travel and subsistence rates issued by the Department of Finance in 2009 and close monitoring and implementation of the Department's travel policy.

My Department entered into a contract for a mobile provider with the mobile telecommunications framework in 2009 which has achieved significant savings in mobile phone expenditure in 2010.

The ongoing focus on achieving more efficiencies in IT spend continues with all contracts coming up for renewal being thoroughly reviewed with a view to consolidation wherever possible. Significant reductions have been made in the Departments printing costs by using in-house printing services and on-line publishing as an alternative to printed reports.

Programme Subheads

The budget allocation for NESDO in 2010 was reduced from €5.059m to €3.332m as a result of the dissolution of the NCPP and NESF on 1 April, 2010. Further savings arose during the year from the rationalisation of NESDO in the following areas: accommodation, consultancy, printing and publications, conference costs and IT.

The budget for the Commemorations Initiative Fund for 2010 is €100,000. The Fund was established to make resources available to groups and organisations for the study and commemoration of historic events of national importance. Payments made up to 29th November amount to approximately €71,000. It is anticipated that most of the budget will be spent by the end of December.

In respect of the Moriarty Tribunal the Estimate for 2010 is €7.480m. This includes provision for the Tribunal's administrative costs for 2010, as well as provision for the cost of the report publication and some element of third party costs should the Tribunal complete its work in the current year.