Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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263. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of Departments that will require Supplementary Estimates in 2019; and the reasons for the overrun. [1591/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Due to the scale of Government expenditure and the cash basis of Government accounting, the need for Supplementary Estimates can arise for a number of reasons, including policy decisions, timing issues and overspends. Supplementary Estimates are an important element of our expenditure management toolkit, allowing for the proper alignment of resources with allocations. However, they can only be allowed where they are permissible within the fiscal rules.

At this stage of the year, it is too early to predict whether supplementary estimates will be required or where the need may arise. However, a number of measures are in place to monitor expenditure throughout the year to ensure that any issues that do arise are managed appropriately. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is in regular contact with all other Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within the overall fiscal parameters. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is reported on each month against expenditure profiles in the Fiscal Monitor published by the Department of Finance. Expenditure figures for January will be published in the first week of February.