Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Studies.

Ivor Callely

Question:

93 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the total number of studies undertaken by his Department or by an agency under the aegis of his Department; the number of matters that he or the Minister(s) of State at his Department have referred for study/report/review to an expert group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4379/96]

David Andrews

Question:

94 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the total number and amounts involved of all consultancies, task forces, reviews, studies and examinations currently being undertaken by his Department. [4659/96]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 94 together.

I am assuming that both questions relate to the use of external consultants and advisers. My Department has undertaken three studies using such services since I became Minister for Tourism and Trade in December 1994. In addition, Public Relations of Ireland Ltd. are on contract since June last year, providing guidance and advice to myself and the Department on public relations matters, and Fitzpatricks Associates are on contract since October last to act as External Evaluators for the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-1999.

The three studies were as follows: (1) Arthur D. Little was appointed to advise and assist the Steering Committee charged with overseeing the implementation of the Bord Fáilte review recommendations; (2) Indecon advised the Department on the development of a range of options for progressing the National Conference Centre project; and (3) Mediawise provided advice on the projection and presentation of policy by me as Minister.

Expenditure by my Department to date on current consultancy contracts is £41,490, of which £7,613 is recouped from the European Commission in respect of the External Evaluation contract.

The question of consultancy work carried out for agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for the respective agencies and, therefore, I am not in a position to supply the details requested by Deputy Callely with regard to this matter.

The Tourism Council, which advises on a wide range of tourism matters, were specifically asked by the Minister of State at my Department, Mr. Toddy O'Sullivan, T.D., to address the potential for growth in domestic tourism, on which they reported towards the end of 1995.