Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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1225. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when approval by Dáil Éireann for a new estimate for Vote 37 will be required; the process for approving same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5943/20]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for 2020 has not yet been voted upon, spending thus far in 2020 is operating under the ‘four-fifths’ rule which applies to voted expenditure under the Central Fund (Permanent Provisions) Act, 1965.  Under this rule, Departments can spend an amount up to 80% of that included for the relevant Department in the previous year’s Appropriation Act.  This legislative provision ensures that Departments can continue to spend in the period before the Estimates are voted by the Dáil.

I understand my colleague, the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, will bring proposals to Government in the near future with regard to the Department's estimate and requirement for a Dáil vote.