Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

144. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of times he has met his officials regarding Project Ireland 2040 since its launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30553/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department has a modest capital allocation under Project Ireland 2040/National Development Plan 2018-2027. A total allocation of €70 million has been included under the National Development Plan 2018-2027, across the Department’s two Votes: Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade, for the years 2018-2022 as follows:

2018 - €13 million

2019 - €17 million

2020 - €13 million

2021 - €13 million

2022 - €14 million

The National Development Plan does not include capital allocations beyond 2022, so the allocations for subsequent years will be decided in due course as part of the annual budgetary processes.

As set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, the Department’s strategic capital investment priorities for the period will be as follows:

- Further announcements as part of the Doubling Our Global Footprint Initiative;

- The Passport Reform Programme;

- Investment in ICT infrastructure, and

- Investment in the State’s Global Property Portfolio, including the development of Ireland Houses with the State Agencies and the relevant Embassy in strategic locations.

Decisions on spending will be consistent with value for money principles, will provide clear benefits for the State and will depend on a range of other factors, including staff, office and accommodation needs.

As the Department’s allocations under Project Ireland 2040/National Development Plan 2018-2027, were already earmarked for the key Departmental priorities identified above it has not been necessary for me to have any dedicated meetings with my officials on this. I will, of course, be engaging shortly with my officials on this and other areas of Departmental expenditure as the 2019 Estimates process gets under way.