Vol. 445 No. 6
351 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the number of consultants, special advisers or programme managers retained by his Department since this Government took office; the nature of the work they have undertaken; and the cost of their services. [786/94]
There is one special adviser and one firm of consultants retained by my Department. The post of programme managers in my Department is held by a civil servant who was serving in my Department prior to his appointment.
The special adviser assists me in discharging my responsibilities as Minister for Tourism and Trade and as a public representative.
The firm of consultants provide advice, assistance and training for my Department in all aspects of public relations and communications through the various media.
The programme manager is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Programme for Government in so far as it relates to the Department of Tourism and Trade. This entails regular contact with departmental officials and with programme managers in other Departments.
The cost of these services to date is £146,892.
