asked the Minister for Health whether a company (name supplied) are doing work for his Department; and, if so, if he will state the number of people from that company working in this country, their function and the cost to the Exchequer of employing them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Consultant Firm.
10.
Four persons from the firm named by the Deputy are at present assisting my Department on a number of matters related to establishment of the health boards. These are—
(a) the development of management processes, including the introduction of programme budgeting;
(b) the training of senior staffs;
(c) the preparation of guidelines on the functions and staffing of local health offices, and
(d) the development of a suitable grading structure for administrative and clerical staffs.
The estimated cost, including expenses, will be approximately £35,000.
How many people are employed by this firm of consultants?
I have told the Deputy. Four persons.
And the Minister is paying £35,000 to four persons?
This is for work over a long period. Of course, it includes travelling expenses. It is money extremely well spent.
How long is the period?
I do not know how long they will take but we have inaugurated what are practically eight small parliaments in the country for the first time simultaneously. You have to have complete changing of staff, a moving of staff and a recruiting of staff. Nothing could be wiser than to have this kind of training carried out and to have the help of consultants who in every case were met by the staffs of the health boards, by the unions concerned, in order that they would have an appreciation of the local needs.
Is it the case that this firm are receiving employment from a large number of Government Departments and are doing very well out of it?
It is not my affair. All I know is that these people have proved excellent. Most of their advice has been taken by the seasoned members of health boards, both the local authority representatives and the professionals. Perhaps there has been some slight amendment of the advice given, but the principles are being adopted.
May I ask the Minister if the company are still employed?
Yes, they are still employed.
Does the figure quoted by the Minister cover the period for which they are still to be employed or will there be a further charge?
The £35,000 includes the cost up to the period we think they will take to complete their work.