Vol. 499 No. 3
348 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number, description and identity of contracts, consultancies or disbursements entered into, awarded or approved by his Department since coming into office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2665/99]
The number of contracts awarded, or approved, by my Department since July 1997 would run to thousands and it would take an inordinate level of resources to compile details of each of them. However, it has been a long-standing practice for my Department to adhere to EU and Government contracts committee procedures in award of contracts. Furthermore, my Department's tender and contract procedures are subject to audit by internal auditors, the Comptroller and Auditor General, and EU auditors.
The information on consultancies is being compiled at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy as quickly as possible.
If the Deputy has a concern about the procedures used in any contract, or consultancy, awarded or approved by my Department, I will have the case examined.
