Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has called on the Government to bring its Recovery and Resilience Plan before the Dáil for scrutiny before any submission is made to the European Commission.

In order to access funds under the RFF, the Government must submit a Plan to the Commission by 30th April, setting out how and where it plans to spend the €853 million in grants it has been allocated.

Speaking today, Teachta Doherty said:

“The Government has a deadline of 30th April to submit its plans for the €853 million we have been allocated under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility.

“In order to access these funds, the Government must submit plans setting out reform and investment objectives out to 2026.

“The size of this grant allocation is bigger than many Department allocations for 2021.

“Given the size of our allocation under the RRF, it is incumbent on the Government to ensure their plans are subject to Dáil scrutiny, like any other vote would be.

“We want to see where, when and how the Government plan to spend these grants before any submission is made to the Commission.

“This should be done well in advance of the submission deadline of 30th April, with scrutiny before the Dáil and Finance Committee.”