Phil Hogan
Question:107 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money spent for 2001, 2002 and 2003 to date on consultants' reports and so on. [24319/03]
Written Answers. - Consultancy Contracts.
The total amount of money expended by my Department on consultancy assistance for 2001, 2002 and 2003 to date is €10,526,710, including VAT. The main element of the Department's annual 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. A total of 37 reports were commissioned by the Department from January 2001 to end September 2003 at a cost of €1.15 million approximately. Expenditure on consultancy fluctuates from year to year depending on the number and timing of major projects being undertaken. A breakdown of the expenditure for each of the years 2001 to 2003 year is as follows: 2001–£3,605,304.56, or €4,577,792; 2002–€4,811,108; 2003–end September €1,137,810; Total €10,526,710.
Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 77.