Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 6

Written Answers. - Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

111 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2000, 2001 and 2002; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [30260/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

The information sought by the Deputy for my Department, including the Defence Forces, is set out in the following table:

Year	Number	Expenditure
		€
2000	5	110,557
2001	10	438,297
2002	7	182,202

Expenditure in 2001 included approximately €115,000 for the provision of psychometric services in connection with Army, Air Corps and Naval Service cadetships and €128,000 in respect of a special study for the introduction of the management information framework in the Department and the Defence Forces. In addition, consultants with appropriate expertise are engaged by the Department as necessary to provide technical services in connection with building, engineering and equipment projects, etc. The requirement for the engagement of outside consultancies will continue to be considered on a case by case basis.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

112 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2000, 2001 and 2002; the numbers of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30266/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

The information sought by the Deputy for my Department, including the Defence Forces, is set out in the following table:

Year	Number	Expenditure
		€
2000	5	110,557
2001	10	438,297
2002	7	182,202

Expenditure in 2001 included approximately €115,000 for the provision of psychometric services in connection with Army, Air Corps and Naval Service cadetships and €128,000 in respect of a special study for the introduction of the management information framework in the Department and the Defence Forces. In addition, consultants with appropriate expertise are engaged by the Department as necessary to provide technical services in connection with building, engineering and equipment projects etc. The requirement for the engagement of outside consultancies will continue to be considered on a case by case basis.