Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 4

Written Answers. - Consultancy Contracts.

Phil Hogan

Question:

179 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the amount of funding for consultancy and related study contracts which has been approved as part of the 2002 departmental Estimates and the budgets of each organisation and agency falling within the Department's aegis for this type of work; the degree of cutback compared to 2001; the consultancy projects which have been cancelled or postponed as a consequence of the cutbacks; the capital projects which will be postponed as a consequence of the cutback in consultancy budgets; the consultancy projects under consideration with his Department and its agencies which will be funded in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10932/02]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The main element of my Department's consultancy budget comprises provision for assistance with projects to develop and improve the delivery of the Department's services including projects in the IT area. Provision is also made for consultancy assistance in other areas, including policy development. Expenditure on consultancy fluctuates from year to year depending on the number and timing of the major change projects which are being undertaken at any time. In 2001 expenditure on consultancy amounted to just under €5 million. This was less than projected due to the fact that expenditure on one major project to develop and modernise service delivery was substantially lower than estimated. The Department's 2002 Estimate for consultancy expenditure is €11.564 million. Work is proceeding on a number of the projects involved, including the new service delivery model project referred to above. A detailed outline of projects to be undertaken in 2002 will be forwarded separately to the Deputy. My Department has not cancelled or postponed any consultancy or capital projects.

As far as the agencies under the Department's remit are concerned the amount of funding approved for consultancy within the 2002 budget for Comhairle is €220,000. No consultancy pro jects or capital projects have been cancelled or postponed. No specific amount has been approved in respect of consultancy and related contracts within the overall budget of the Combat Poverty Agency. The agency will continue to secure the services of consultants as required in accordance with their strategic objectives, and subject to normal budgetary controls. The Pensions Board is funded almost entirely by fees from pension schemes and it engages consultancy assistance from time to time as required within overall strategic objectives and budgetary constraints.

Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 175.