Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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402. To ask the Minister for Defence of the €2 million in capital spending recorded as not spent under the expenditure profile at end November in the most recent analysis of Gross Voted Expenditure Exchequer figures, the reason for the underspend; if he will provide a breakdown of the capital projects or outlays that have not commenced as yet as per the profile; if any of the total €107.2 million in total capital carryover in Government for 2012 relates to his Department; the amount of same; if it has been spent; on what it has been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52954/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The variance between profiled and actual capital expenditure within the Defence Vote at the end of November 2013 is largely due to some of the more significant works projects not progressing as originally scheduled. In particular, building works in the Curragh Camp and refurbishment works in McKee Barracks were delayed earlier in the year. The factors which led to the initial delays have been addressed and the projects are now underway. A capital carryover of €900,000 from 2012 has been fully spent in 2013. Progress on capital projects is reviewed on an ongoing basis and, where unforeseen delays arise on particular projects, other projects are brought forward, insofar as is possible. My Department has also received approval for an application for a deferred surrender of €900,000 of capital funds to 2014 to meet commitments which will not mature before year-end, due to the delays referred to above. At this point, it is expected that the remaining funding for 2013 will be substantially spent by year end.