871. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [55541/26]

I wish to inform the Deputy that in accordance with Government Decision regarding the application of an expenditure levy in 2027, my Department approved its required savings for 2027 on 17 July, 2026.

To meet the Department’s efficiency target, a number of measures have been identified that deliver recurring savings while maintaining service delivery and supporting the expenditure ceilings set out in the Government’s Medium Term Fiscal Structural Plan. Overall, the savings focus on organisational reform, improved contract management, efficient procurement and reducing external consultancy.

Savings will be delivered from organisational restructuring following the integration of the Office of Government Procurement Vote and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer Vote into Vote 11. A review of staffing structures identified opportunities to streamline management and support functions, resulting in the suppression of a number of posts and recurring annual pay savings.

A material saving arises from the renegotiation of the Department’s primary project management contract. By aligning service levels with current operational requirements, the annual contract cost was reduced, while maintaining the necessary support for the platform.

Efficiencies have also been achieved through competitive procurement of leadership development programmes. A competitive tender process secured high-quality provision at a lower cost than originally estimated.

Finally, savings have been identified through a reduction in administration expenditure on policy reviews, consultancy services and research.

As a result of the above efficiencies, the Department will meet its efficiency target for 2027, while maintaining service delivery and supporting key Government priorities.