4257. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the efficiency and reform proposals that his Department has submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in response to its request for such proposals, with a deadline of the 17 July 2026; the impact that these spending cuts will have on public services within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55542/26]

The Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation wrote to my Department in April with regard to a proposed levy on current expenditure for 2027.

The letter states that it is a matter for each Department to determine how the levy will be applied across their Vote Group. My officials have identified some potential areas for further discussion with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

This issue will form a key element of the Estimates engagement for Budget 2027. In the context of those negotiations my Department will be identifying priority areas for funding for 2027, in order to ensure that service levels are protected and supports continue to be provided to communities throughout the country. Managing any levy will, therefore, depend on the outcome of Budget 2027 negotiations.