Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1092. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for capital expenditure running €34 million behind profile, as outlined in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37476/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that the underspend in capital expenditure of approximately €34 million relates to the Justice Sector, which includes An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, the Courts Service and the Prison Service.

There is a trend whereby an underspend can occur in the first six months, followed by increased levels of spending in the second half of the year as tenders and projects progress.

The Justice sector has a strong track record of utilising its Capital Budget which is monitored continuously and corrective measures are considered as required.

The current view is that the underspend is likely to be reversed over the coming months as invoices are certified and presented for payment.