4125. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to confirm both in percentage and in clear monetary terms the value of the ‘levy’ on his Department's expenditure, that was required to be communicated to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on or before the deadline of 17 July 2026, (details supplied) and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60666/26]

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

The proposed levy on the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht amounts to €5 million. The percentage calculation was not set out in the letter, however based on my Department’s current funding allocation of €340 million for 2026, this represents a levy of 1.47%.

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 negotiations 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.