asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for a 26 per cent increase in planned expenditure on consultancy services by his Department in 1988; whether any of the expenditure involved will be paid to public relations consultants; if so, the amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Consultancy Services.
33.
The total estimated expenditure under the heading of consultancy services for 1988 is £1.145 million. This is an increase of £235,000 on the current year. This extra expenditure arises from the policy which I am pursuing in relation to the provision of a more comprehensive and accessible social welfare service at local level and in the enhancement of controls. It includes an accelerated programme for the computerisation of employment exchanges throughout the country.
Several other major projects are planned by my Department which will require specialist assistance from consultants in 1988. These include the new computerised system of producing books of orders for paying pensions and child benefit, the establishment of a nationwide telecommunications network to allow the installation of computer terminals in social welfare offices outside Dublin including links with other agencies, and the redesign of the central records system to provide a more integrated central data base covering all the various schemes. There is also a substantial provision for training and implementation of development methodologies to assist in the development of computer systems. Some £15,000 of the consultancy budget is earmarked for public relations advice on matters relating to the operation of the Department's schemes.