Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

102. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the details of costings provided to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, in the context of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 review conducted earlier this year; and to provide a breakdown of each project and its projected cost in each of the years 2025 to 2030. [42717/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department’s original allocation under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030 in respect of 2024, 2025 and 2026 was €25 million per annum. Following negotiations with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, it was agreed that the NDP allocations in respect of 2024, 2025 and 2026 will be increased to €35 million per annum.

The Department uses this allocation to implement Government Policy under the Global Ireland Strategy through expanding Ireland’s global network of diplomatic offices, developing new Ireland Houses to represent and showcase Ireland abroad, supporting the global ICT network, managing the global property portfolio and enhancing citizen services.

The Department will use the allocation for 2025 to 2030 for the following main purposes:

• Passport and Citizen Services Reform: €35 million. This will mainly be expended over 2025 to 2026 on enhanced systems for the operation and back office support of the passport application management and processing system; improved security systems to safeguard the integrity of the passport; further improvements to the online application process; the replacement of the high security passport printing machines and the redesign and issue of a new passport book. In addition the Department is replacing and upgrading its systems to support citizens at times of crisis worldwide.
• ICT: €25 million. This will cover the ongoing investment in the Department’s global network infrastructure and new strategic systems development to maintain cybersecurity protections worldwide, upgrade systems to provide enhanced services and support the delivery of citizen services globally.
• Global Property Portfolio: €110 million. There is an urgent need to investment in the Department’s global property portfolio to provide safe, secure and operationally efficient premises, including Ireland Houses, which provide enhanced levels of services to citizens and meet the appropriate health and safety requirements in the local country. Due to the heightened security situation worldwide there is a requirement for an ongoing investment in enhancing mission security. Significant projects underway and to be completed over the next 5 years include new Ireland Houses in New York, Tokyo and London. In addition the department is managing the construction of new embassy premises in Tokyo, also an Ireland House, and Abuja and the relocation of the Embassy in Washington DC. At the same time there will be significant property projects across the mission network, including New Delhi and Beijing.
• Motor Vehicles: €5 million. The Department will continue an ongoing programme to replace vehicles worldwide. Motor vehicles are required for security (armoured cars), missions logistical support and the review and management of the Irish Aid Programme.