Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 3

Written Answers. - Consultancy Contracts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

71 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has in the past four and a half years appointed to any State or semi-State board or agency, any executive or employee of consultancy firms or public relations firms which have previously benefited from contracts issued by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24586/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

I make appointments to the boards of more than 35 State or semi-State bodies under the aegis of my Department, and the total number of appointees in the period referred to was in excess of 300. In these circumstances, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be practicable to check the employment records of all the appointees and whether their employers undertook work for my Department.