701. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance 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 their 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. [55535/26]

I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department continues to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in relation to the Government Decision S180/20/10/3001 regarding the application of an expenditure levy in 2027.

My Department has identified savings from the implementation of changes to the structure of the annual programme. Some savings are also expected to arise as a result of the conclusion of Ireland’s EU Presidency, with the majority arising from efficiencies and reform measures.

My Department continues to monitor its budget allocation on an on-going basis in line with its key objective to advise on, design, and implement economic policies that protect domestic living standards and strengthen resilience in the face of an increasingly uncertain global environment. It is anticipated that any potential impact on public services as a result of the levy will be offset against the efficiencies and reforms identified.