Vol. 576 No. 6
177 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science 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. [30257/03]
178 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science 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. [30270/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.
The total amount of expenditure on consultancy was €722,618.98 in 2000, €1,458,928.01 in 2001 and €554,752.56 in 2002. There were 25 consultants engaged in 2000, 29 consultants engaged in 2001 and 33 consultants engaged in 2002.
Expenditure on consultancy varies from year to year and is based on the number of projects sanctioned. Every attempt is being made to reduce the number of consultancies sanctioned and to reduce the expenditure on consultancy.
