Menu
25/05/2016
Govt Approves Proposed Reform Of Budgetary Process
The government has approved the reform of the budgetary process, as proposed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, and Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan.
The proposed new approach is designed to meet the requirement for a major intensification of dialogue and interaction with the Oireachtas on budgetary matters.
Minister Donohoe said: "The Programme for Government confirms the Government's objective to work in close partnership with the Oireachtas. The reforms the Government are now bringing forward to the budgetary process are a major innovation in empowering the Dáil to examine, debate and make recommendations to Government on budgetary priorities."
The key elements of the proposed approach for Budget 2017 to ensure that the budgetary process is underpinned by substantially enhanced Dáil input into, and feedback on, budget proposals include:
• The publication of the Government's Spring/Summer Economic Statement in June.
• Holding the National Economic Dialogue at the end of June.
• The publication of a Mid-Year Expenditure Report in July for the first time.
• Circulation of the Tax Strategy Papers to the relevant Sectoral Oireachtas Committees in late July.
Minister Noonan added: "These new milestones in the budgetary cycle are intended to mark a decisive shift away from what has been characterised by the OECD as a disconnected series of annual set-piece events replacing it with ongoing and active engagement with the Houses of the Oireachtas and its committees throughout the course of the budget cycle. The Government's reforms will provide all members of the Oireachtas with the opportunity to influence and critique budget allocations and priorities, making budgetary debate and discussion in Ireland more realistic, informed and effective."
The Government's proposals will be submitted shortly to the Select Committee on Arrangements for Budgetary Scrutiny. As part of the engagement with the Houses of the Oireachtas on this issue, Ministers Donohoe and Noonan will make themselves available to the Select Committee on Arrangements for Budgetary Scrutiny to discuss the proposals.
The first meeting of the Committee is expected to take place in the coming days.
(MH/LM)
The proposed new approach is designed to meet the requirement for a major intensification of dialogue and interaction with the Oireachtas on budgetary matters.
Minister Donohoe said: "The Programme for Government confirms the Government's objective to work in close partnership with the Oireachtas. The reforms the Government are now bringing forward to the budgetary process are a major innovation in empowering the Dáil to examine, debate and make recommendations to Government on budgetary priorities."
The key elements of the proposed approach for Budget 2017 to ensure that the budgetary process is underpinned by substantially enhanced Dáil input into, and feedback on, budget proposals include:
• The publication of the Government's Spring/Summer Economic Statement in June.
• Holding the National Economic Dialogue at the end of June.
• The publication of a Mid-Year Expenditure Report in July for the first time.
• Circulation of the Tax Strategy Papers to the relevant Sectoral Oireachtas Committees in late July.
Minister Noonan added: "These new milestones in the budgetary cycle are intended to mark a decisive shift away from what has been characterised by the OECD as a disconnected series of annual set-piece events replacing it with ongoing and active engagement with the Houses of the Oireachtas and its committees throughout the course of the budget cycle. The Government's reforms will provide all members of the Oireachtas with the opportunity to influence and critique budget allocations and priorities, making budgetary debate and discussion in Ireland more realistic, informed and effective."
The Government's proposals will be submitted shortly to the Select Committee on Arrangements for Budgetary Scrutiny. As part of the engagement with the Houses of the Oireachtas on this issue, Ministers Donohoe and Noonan will make themselves available to the Select Committee on Arrangements for Budgetary Scrutiny to discuss the proposals.
The first meeting of the Committee is expected to take place in the coming days.
(MH/LM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 October 2009
Brown Belfast Bound On Policing
Gordon Brown will arrive in Belfast next week in a bid to end the emerging deadlock over policing and justice devolution. The Prime Minister's decision to intervene directly in the matter comes amid simmering tensions between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
Brown Belfast Bound On Policing
Gordon Brown will arrive in Belfast next week in a bid to end the emerging deadlock over policing and justice devolution. The Prime Minister's decision to intervene directly in the matter comes amid simmering tensions between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
19 September 2014
DCC Fine Gael Group Propose Local Property Tax Reduction
Fine Gael Councillors in Dublin have proposed a motion calling for a 15% cut in the Local Property Tax next year. The group has brought the motion ahead of a meeting of Dublin City Council on Monday.
DCC Fine Gael Group Propose Local Property Tax Reduction
Fine Gael Councillors in Dublin have proposed a motion calling for a 15% cut in the Local Property Tax next year. The group has brought the motion ahead of a meeting of Dublin City Council on Monday.
10 November 2010
State's Funding At Risk Says Cowen
Mr Cowen has claimed that a failure to make the proposed cuts in December's budget could put the Irish State's funding "at risk". The Taoiseach's comments were made in response to suggestions by Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore that the suggested cuts of €6 billion in the upcoming budget would "work against job creation and hamper growth".
State's Funding At Risk Says Cowen
Mr Cowen has claimed that a failure to make the proposed cuts in December's budget could put the Irish State's funding "at risk". The Taoiseach's comments were made in response to suggestions by Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore that the suggested cuts of €6 billion in the upcoming budget would "work against job creation and hamper growth".
10 September 2009
Cowen Launches Drug Strategy
The Taoiseach has today launched a the latest Government strategy for tackling Ireland's illegal drug use. Significantly, Brian Cowen conceded the issue of drug abuse continued to be one of the most significant challenges facing the State, and accepted the problem is growing.
Cowen Launches Drug Strategy
The Taoiseach has today launched a the latest Government strategy for tackling Ireland's illegal drug use. Significantly, Brian Cowen conceded the issue of drug abuse continued to be one of the most significant challenges facing the State, and accepted the problem is growing.
27 March 2008
Doctors Hit Out At Harney And Drumm
The handling of Ireland’s health service is to face a slew of criticism by the country’s largest doctor association. The Irish Medical Organisation have said the management of the health service by TD Mary Harney and the HSE Chief Executive, Brendan Drumm, is putting budgets first and patients second.
Doctors Hit Out At Harney And Drumm
The handling of Ireland’s health service is to face a slew of criticism by the country’s largest doctor association. The Irish Medical Organisation have said the management of the health service by TD Mary Harney and the HSE Chief Executive, Brendan Drumm, is putting budgets first and patients second.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A dry mostly sunny and warm day. Cloud in the east will clear during the morning leaving the afternoon sunny but cooler in the onshore easterly breeze. Maximum temperature 19 °C.Tonight:The night will continue dry with long bright or clear periods. Patchy cloud will thicken across eastern parts at times towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
