Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 6

Written Answers. - Consultancy Contracts.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

99 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason no response has been received to date from Foras Na Gaeilge further to Parliamentary Question No. 421 of 24 June 2003 (details supplied); the precise details relating to consultancy services that were employed in any part of this expenditure; the manner in which consultants were appointed, including details of tendering systems employed; the selection procedures applied to select consultancy services to advise upon any part of this expenditure; the manner in which successful consultants were advised of their appointment; the full amounts paid, or payable to date, on these consultancy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24136/03]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I can confirm for the record of the House that my private office wrote to Foras na Gaeilge immediately after I replied to the previous question to ask that the requested information be made available directly to the Deputy. I am very disappointed to hear from the Deputy that Foras na Gaeilge has failed to supply that information within a reasonable timescale.

I am informed by the chief executive of Foras na Gaeilge that this failure resulted from an administrative oversight. I have also been informed by him that the particulars have now been forwarded to the Deputy together with an apology. He advises that measures are being taken to avoid such a recurrence. The chief executive further assures me that he is deeply aware of his obligations in relation to accountability and respect to this House.

Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 80.

Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 88.