Phil Hogan
Question:732 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the number of committees that have been established since 1997; the total cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15659/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Bodies.
Some 98 committee-working groups have been established under the aegis of my Department since 1997. Information relating to the costs of these is not separately compiled and it would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work to detail all costs associated with the operation of these committees and working groups over a six year period. Most committees-working groups would have involved expenses incurred through payment of travel and subsistence expenses at standard rates. In some instances costs would also have been incurred in the engagement of specialists advice to inform the work of the committees.