Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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53. To ask the Minister for Finance the expectation of the structural balance under the stability and growth pact for 2018 in view of the announcement of the national development plan 2018 to 2027; the amount by which the structural balance is set to meet the State's medium term objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9090/18]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Minister for Finance if the expenditure benchmark under the stability and growth pact will be met in 2018 in view of the announcement of the national development plan 2018 to 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9091/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 54 together.

The level of gross voted capital expenditure for 2018 of €5.8 billion set out in Table 3.1 of the National Development Plan, which is the same as the level set out in the 2018 Revised Estimates Volume, is consistent with the general government expenditure forecasts included in Budget 2018. 

Therefore, the forecasts for both general government expenditure and the general government balance for 2018 are unchanged.  As a result, the forecast compliance, in 2018, with the fiscal rules, as set out on Budget day in relation to both the expenditure benchmark and the improvement in the structural balance is unchanged.

The Deputy should note that updated economic and fiscal forecasts will be published in the draft Stability Programme Update in mid-April.