896. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if minutes will be published for the two new Budgetary Oversight Groups in the Department of Education and Youth, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality; the reason the minutes of these meetings have not been published to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56931/26]

Circular 21/2026 "Expenditure Control and Escalation Process", which issued to all Government departments on 14 May, provides a clear framework for managing expenditure and sets phases for escalation if spending overruns emerge.

Where expenditure pressures persist, the Circular sets out a framework for when and how DPER may engage with Departments. These steps are focused around strengthening governance, reprioritising expenditure within Departments allocations, and ensuring that overruns are addressed in a timely manner. The Circular also includes provision for the introduction of a budget oversight group to strengthen expenditure governance, oversight and control.

Disability Services Budgetary Oversight Group

The Disability Services Budgetary Oversight Group had its inaugural on 23 April 2026. The Group was established to provide strategic oversight of disability expenditure and staffing, monitor emerging risks and associated mitigation measures, and oversee the implementation of strengthened governance arrangements designed to improve financial management and control.

The Group is jointly chaired by representatives of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The HSE is also represented on the Group as a core member. The Group meets on a quarterly basis, with meetings held to date on 23 April 2026 and 23 June 2026.

In line with the agreed governance arrangements, minutes are approved at the subsequent meeting before publication. The minutes of the meeting held on 23 April 2026 have been published on gov.ie.

Education Budgetary Oversight Group

The Education Budgetary Oversight Group was established in April 2026 to provide strategic oversight and monitoring of expenditure and staffing against the voted expenditure for Department of Education and Youth, monitor emerging risks and associated mitigation measures, and to oversee the implementation of strengthened governance arrangements aimed at enhancing financial management.

The Group consists of representatives from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the Department of Education and Youth. The Group is scheduled to meet on a monthly basis. To date, meetings have been held on 14th April 2026, 21st May 2026, 23rd June 2026 and 23rd July 2026.

In accordance with agreed arrangements, the minutes of each meeting are approved by both Departments prior to publication and are published three months in arrears. The minutes of the meeting held on 14th April 2026 have been published on gov.ie.