Vol. 495 No. 5
143 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will provide figures on the cost of consultancies undertaken by the private sector for his Department for each of the years from 1995 to 1997 and the forecasted figure for 1998. [20710/98]
As the need arises, my Department engages external consultants to carry out specific assignments, both in relation to policy issues and aspects of the administration of the Department's schemes and services. These consultancies are arranged at official level under standard procurement procedures.
The total amounts of fees paid to external consultants in each of the years 1995 to 1998 are as follows:
|
Year |
£ |
|
1995 |
4,204,099 |
|
1996 |
1,981,722 |
|
1997 |
614,932 |
|
1998 |
594,000 (Estimated) |
