Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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129. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the specific measures his Department is taking to ensure better value for money on public expenditure; the steps he is taking to ensure that his Department is not contributing to inflation and the cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22302/23]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Public expenditure management and achieving value for money, within agreed Ceilings voted by Dáil Éireann, is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister.

Each Accounting Officer is responsible for:

• the safeguarding of public funds and property under his or her control with systems of internal control in place;
• ensuring that Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan & Reform sanction for expenditure has been obtained;
• ensuring that all relevant financial considerations are taken fully into account, and, where necessary, brought to the attention of Ministers in relation to the preparation and implementation of policy proposals.

• The 'whole of year' budgetary framework with publications at key points in the year including the Public Service Performance Report, the Summer Economic Statement, the Mid-Year Expenditure Report, and the Spending Review papers. These publications seek to support enhanced transparency, engagement in relation to budgetary issues and value for money.
• Improving and supporting the use of evidence informed policy making through the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service.
• Enhancing the focus on performance and national well-being through the performance and well-being frameworks.

• core expenditure growth rate being set at sustainable levels in line with the trend growth rate of the economy; and
• ongoing improvements in public services and public infrastructure.

• Increasing the core expenditure growth rate above 5 per cent on a temporary basis for 2022 and 2023, supporting our public services; and
• Using funding outside of the core expenditure base for one-off or short-term measures to help our households, businesses and wider society with aspects of inflation.