Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37257/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can inform the Deputy that the number of Commercial State bodies and Non-Commercial State bodies, including Regulators, under the aegis of my Department, is 18. These commercial companies and other bodies are generally not quangos if the Deputy has a particular quango in mind and if it falls under the aegis of this Department, I will endeavour to answer any questions he raises.

While no bodies have been abolished or merged by my Department in 2011 or to date in 2012, my Department has reviewed the rationalisation proposals for Agencies under its aegis as set out in the Public Service Reform Plan and the issue is due for consideration by Government. I would also mention that in 2010 my Department oversaw the creation of Inland Fisheries Ireland in 2010, a single body which replaced the functions of 8 Fisheries Boards, 8 Fisheries cooperatives and the National Salmon Commission. The current expenditure allocation for IFI in 2012 is €24.7m compared to €25.2m for the various Fisheries Boards in 2010, a reduction of €0.5m.

Table

* Vote neutral, payment for collection of the television licence fee.

**Grant to Raidió Telefís Éireann from Broadcasting Licence Fee Receipts (Grant-in-Aid) – (Vote neutral).