Written answers

Thursday, 29 May 2025

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Expenditure Policy

Photo of Catherine ArdaghCatherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

93. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the increase in public expenditure to date in 2025 compares to spending this time last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27722/25]

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Budget 2025, announced by Government last October, set-out a planned gross expenditure envelope of €105.4bn.

This funding has been provided to deliver on Government priorities and commitments, including continuing the delivery of a National Development Plan (NDP) which is providing the vital infrastructure we need to support our future economic and social progress.

This funding is also providing appropriate income supports for better outcomes in tackling poverty for children and families, people of working age, including jobseekers, people with disabilities, carers, and older people. It is providing for the opening of new hospital and community beds, additional funding for Older Persons Mental Health services and Social Inclusion, and additional training places to enhance capacity across the frontline workforce of our Health Service.

With regard to expenditure to date this year, the latest available expenditure figures were published in the Department of Finance’s Fiscal Monitor, on the 6th of May. This release provides detail of the gross and net voted expenditure position to end-April, comparing the drawdown of funds to profiled (planned) monthly expenditure, and to the corresponding period last year. These are broken down by Vote group and into capital and current spending.

The End-April figures demonstrate sustained high levels of investment in the delivery of public services at this critical time for our economy and for global trade. Gross voted spending at-end April was €33.1bn; this was €3bn or 9.9% higher than the end-April position last year. Current spending was up 7.2% compared with April 2024, at €29.5bn, while capital spending was up 39.0% at €3.5bn.

Overall spending of €33.1 billion is in-line with the amount profiled by departments to be spent at this stage in the year. This increased investment reflects the priorities of Budget 2025 and this government’s commitment to deliver continued improvements in our infrastructure and enhance our existing public services to build for a stronger future.

The May Fiscal Monitor is due to be published on the 5th of June, and will provide the latest in-year expenditure figures, with comparison given against the May expenditure profile and the May-2024 position. Managing the delivery of public services within budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and their Department. My Department maintains regular communication with all Departments to ensure expenditure is managed within overall fiscal parameters.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.