The provision under the A7 con sultancy subhead in my Department's Estimate for 2002 is €5 million. This represents a decrease over the 2001 outturn of €6.73 million.
However, significant consultancy and related study work also arises in relation to specific programmes and is funded through the relevant subhead.
A list of the consultancy work, both general and programme related, expected to be undertaken in the coming year is set out in the following table. However, full payment for all consultancies is unlikely to fall due during 2002. As a result no decision has yet been made as to whether consultancies may be postponed or cancelled in light of budgetary constraints. The situation is monitored on a monthly basis.
My Department does not anticipate the postponement of any capital projects as a result of constraints in the consultancy budget. The consultancy requirement for the agencies under my Department's aegis is a matter for the relevant bodies concerned.
Energy Consultancies to be undertaken during 2002
Liberalisation of the Electricity Market
Technical Adviser to Gas Technical Standards Committee
Follow up to North South Energy Study
Disposal of business and certain assets of INPC to Tosco
Extension of the Gas Network to the North West
Liberalisation of the Gas Market
Gas Pipeline Audits
Review of Bord Gais Eireann Project Cost Procedures
Test of the National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents
Legal and associated expenses incurred in pursuit of legal actions against the Sellafield MOX plant
Audit of ESB claims under EIOP
Grid Upgrade Development Plan
Legal Advice on AER Programmes
Study on the impact of wind generated electricity.
Public Transport Consultancies to be undertaken during 2002
PPP's in Metro and Light Rail
Light Rail Monitoring Committee
Light Rail, Metro and Integrated Ticketing
Rail Safety Consultancy
Rail Safety Technical Guidance
Railway Safety support pending establishment of Railway Safety Authority Railway Safety Audit
Review of work practices of Road Haulage Division
Establishment of an Investment Monitoring Unit to monitor public transport projects under the NDP
Appointment of auditors in respect of Public Transport Measures under the Community Support Framework for Ireland 1994 to 1999
Develop a model to determine the costs and revenues associated with the operation of additional buses
Appointment of Auditors in respect of the NDP 2000-2006 expenditure programme
Strategic Rail Study
Real Time Passenger Information Systems and Integrated Ticketing Programme
Safety Audit of Mini-CTC Lines
Regulatory Reform in the Bus Market in Greater Dublin Area
Public Transport Accessibility Study
Rail Safety Advisors Examination Scheme
Review of Regulation of Bus Services outside the Greater Dublin Area and follow up implementation study
CIE Restructuring Study
Valuation advice in relation to property portfolio of CIE holding company
Advice in relation to the allocation of CIE holding company debt between the three operating companies
Advice in relation to the sale of CIE business units and assets.
