Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019 published  

19th December, 2018

 

The Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD, has welcomed the publication by his Department this evening (Wednesday) of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019 (REV).  As in previous years, the REV provides additional details and information in relation to the allocations contained in the 2019 Budget Estimates, which were set out in the Expenditure Report 2019 published on Budget Day, 9th October 2018.  The REV also gives summary detail in respect of the forecast outturn for spending in 2018.

The REV sets out a gross total expenditure estimate of €66.6 billion in 2019. Of this, gross current spend is €59.3 billion and gross capital spend is €7.3 billion.

As in previous years, the REV will also include performance information, which provides details on the public service outputs and outcomes that are being delivered with public funds. As part of a pilot programme of Equality Budgeting, a number of Departments also include indicators relating to equality objectives. This process tracks the progression of policies that aim to advance equality, reduce poverty and strengthening economic and social rights of citizens.

As is usual, there are a number of minor post Budget technical and policy adjustments included in the REV. These amount to 0.1% of overall gross voted expenditure and relate to items such as a Government decision to wind up the Energy Efficiency National Fund. As a result, there will be an Exchequer neutral transfer to the Communications, Climate Action and Environment Vote. In addition, Irish Water Capital funding will be brought into line with the organisations business plan and a tax liability on the Defence vote arising from a tax audit will be settled. Other amendments include additional funding for training allowance costs in the Department of Education and Skills, additional monies for the National Transport Agency, funding for the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for Irish language supports and Creative Ireland and for the Department of Health to help finance couples’ access to assisted human reproduction. 

ENDS