Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 1997

Vol. 480 No. 6

Written Answers - Consultancy Contracts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

451 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of consultancy contracts awarded by her or by the Ministers of State at her Department; their value and purpose; the costs in terms of salary or consultancy fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15045/97]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

Since my appointment as Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, consultancy contracts have been awarded by my Department for

(a) the carrying out of a training needs analysis for Departmental staff;

(b) a feasibility study on the development of information technology at heritage centres; and

(c) a one year part-time assignment as acting Director of the National Library of Ireland at the rate of £ 25,000 p.a. plus VAT.

The Deputy will appreciate that as the contracts at (a) and (b) were awarded as a result of competitive tendering processes, it would be imprudent to reveal details of the prices quoted by the successful consultants.