Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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381. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount surrendered back to the Exchequer in each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017 from Vote 15 Secret Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24211/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The following table shows the Secret Service Vote estimate and end of year surplus as set out in the Appropriation Accounts 2012 to 2015. The figure for 2016 is the provisional outturn, based on the expenditure amounts notified to this Department:

To date in 2017, on foot of requests for funding, €300,000 has been transferred to the relevant authorities to fund secret services.

As set out in the Appropriation Account each year, where the surplus to be surrendered differs from the amount of the Exchequer grant undrawn, this is shown as an amount due to or from the Exchequer. This is then reflected in the Exchequer Issues in the following year.

Prescribed arrangements are in place with the relevant authorities for the drawdown of moneys from the Secret Service Vote and for the annual certification by the relevant Ministers of money actually expended during the year, as well as balances at year end.

I have been advised that in respect of the certification for 2015 expenditure on the Secret Service Vote, an adjustment will be required to reflect lower expenditure incurred.