asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will give details of the expenditure of £528,000 on consultancy services in 1985; the names of the consultants; the way in which they were recruited; and the number of tenders received for this work.
Written Answers. - Consultancy Services.
98.
Expenditure by my Department under Subhead A2 of the Social Welfare Vote during 1985 on fees and expenses on consultancy assignments and other commissioned surveys and studies amounted to £590,510.64. The bulk of the expenditure arose in connection with the provision of technical support for the operation of the Department's computer systems (£63,670.92) and with the development of existing and new computer systems (£509,037.72). The balance of the expenditure (£17,802) related to non-computer services concerning occupational pensions schemes and population projections and to the part time services of an economic adviser to the Minister.
The consultants involved and the amount paid to each are as follows:
|
Digital Equitment (Ireland) Ltd. |
£336,173.04 |
|
Arthur Andersen & Company |
£172,059.00 |
|
Craig Gardner Management Consultants |
£64,476.60 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
£12,000.00 |
|
Mrs. Catherine McNamara (part time economic consultant) |
£4,902.00 |
|
Mr. John Blackwell |
£900.00 |
|
Total expenditure |
£590,510.64 |
The technical support for the operation of the Department's computer systems is provided under an ongoing contract with the Department's main computer supplier.
The usual tendering procedures are followed in engaging consultants for the development of existing and new computer systems. Only two new such projects were undertaken during 1985 and in each case four tenders were received.
In the case of the non-computer studies and services the selection of consultants is on the basis of their general suitability, reputation and proven experience for the tasks involved.