Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Oct 1997

Vol. 482 No. 2

Written Answers - Departmental Appointments.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

36 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the contracts, if any, she has entered into, or appointments she has made, or other assistance she has received, for policy development or advisory purposes since her appointment; the individuals and bodies involved; the remuneration, costing and the purpose of expenditure in this regard; and if it is her intention to make further expenditure available in this regard in 1997 and 1998. [17402/97]

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

I am in the process of appointing a civil servant from my own Department as my special policy adviser. Since my appointment as Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, I have received advice free of charge from various individuals and bodies, including bodies under the aegis of my Department.

In relation to consultancy contracts awarded by my Department since my appointment, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 451 of 30 Meán Fómhair 1997. There has been no change since that date. In relation to the possibility of further expenditure in 1997 and 1998, should a need for outside services or expertise be clearly identified in the future I will endeavour to secure such services.