Written answers

Thursday, 31 May 2018

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Environmental Protection Agency Funding

Photo of Barry CowenBarry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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196. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the €34.8 million allocated to the Environmental Protection Agency as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the allocation that has been spent; the way in which the moneys were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24224/18]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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A sum of €37.4 million has been allocated, through my Department, to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) under Subhead F3 in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2018. This is comprised of  €34.8 million referenced in the Question and an additional €2.6 million, also specified in the Revised Estimatesand sourced from unspent 2017 appropriations to capital supply services (capital carryover). In addition, a further €7.14 million in Exchequer funding is provided to the EPA through the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, primarily to facilitate and support implementation of the Water Framework Directive and associated activities.

The EPA draws down the funds provided by my Department on a monthly basis in line with an agreed annual expenditure profile. To date, €14.69 million has been drawn down by the Agency for current and capital expenditure. Current expenditure includes pay and pensions costs, and costs associated with the provision of secretariats to both the Climate Change Advisory Council and the National Dialogue on Climate Action. Capital expenditure items include the EPA Research Programme and upgrades to the national air monitoring network.

EPA resources and expenditure are overseen in the context of my Department's overall responsibility for the Agency's governance. As part of this governance responsibility, a draft Oversight Agreement and Performance Delivery Agreement, as required under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, are being finalised by my Department in consultation with the Agency and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.  

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