Vol. 515 No. 3
162 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Finance the consultancies, work groups and specialist groups employed for carrying out studies in his Department; when these groups were established; when their reports are expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5786/00]
Details of the external consultancies, work groups and specialist groups currently employed for carrying out studies in my Department are as follows.
On 8 October 1997 the equality committee of the human resource implementation group commissioned a team led by the IPA, with members from the Department of Statistics and Centre for Women's Studies in TCD and Goodbody Economic Consultants, to produce a report on the topic: Gender Equality in the Civil Service. The final report will be published within the next four to five weeks.
The commission on public service pensions was established in February 1996 to examine and report on the occupational pension arrangements of public servants. As part of this work, the Department of Finance on behalf of the commission engaged a number of consultants to carry out actuarial and other research projects in relation to pension matters. These consultants have reported and their work will be reflected in the commission's final report. The commission is currently in the process of concluding its final report which is expected to be presented to Government in mid-2000.
Arthur Andersen were hired in May 1997 to review systems for the financial control and management of assistance from the European Regional Development Fund, and of the Cohesion Fund. A report on the European Regional Development Fund has been completed. A report on the Cohesion Fund is expected shortly.
In addition to the above, it is normal practice as the need arises to form ad hoc working groups, composed mainly of officials and which do not involve external consultancy firms.
