Strategic Planning Process

The organisation’s corporate plan provides the starting point for the budgeting process. The corporate plan approved by the board will have taken account of a number of factors including:

• Government policies and priorities
• The body’s legislative mandate;
• Available funding;
• Any Ministerial directions to the board;
• Other legislative requirements (e.g. in regard to equality and the environment); and
• Company Law.

It will also have drawn upon the body’s experience and the skills it has built up, and any anticipated legislative changes. Funding for most public bodies is authorised and controlled by the Dáil on the basis of recommendations put to it by ministers. The precise funding arrangements set for each body will vary according to the particular circumstances of the body.