Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 6

Written Answers. - European Council Meetings.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

22 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the projected cost of the planned meeting of EU Finance Ministers at Punchestown Racecourse in April 2004; the total amount to be paid to the racecourse for use of its facilities; the reason a company (details supplied) has been employed in connection with this event; the reasons such work could not have been undertaken by the press office within his own Department; the basis on which the company was given the award; the amounts of fees or remuneration they will be paid; if tenders were sought for this work, prior to its award to the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30079/03]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

52 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the anticipated cost to the State of holding a proposed meeting of EU Finance Ministers at the Punchestown Centre in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30074/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 52 together.

The informal meeting of the Council of Economics and Finance Ministers of the EU, known as the ECOFIN Council, takes place in Punchestown on 2-4 April next. This will be one of the largest events to take place in Ireland in the course of the Irish Presidency of the EU of January to June 2004.

Some 300 delegates and about 400 media representatives are expected to attend. The national delegations will come from the 15 current member states and from the ten acceding countries, making a total of 25. Each country's delegation will be led by its Minister for Finance and Governor of its Central Bank. A number of Commissioners and heads of EU institutions and their officials also will attend. The ten acceding countries will become member states of the EU on 1 May 2004 with the completion of the enlargement process in their case.

It will be appreciated that hosting a meeting of this size, with the attendant security costs, is unavoidably expensive. However, this expense has to be viewed against a background where this country is proud to be holding the Presidency of the EU and is determined to make a success of every aspect of that Presidency.

The estimated gross cost of hosting the event, taking all elements, including security and communications, into account, could be of the order of €750,000. Of that cost the rental of the Punchestown facilities will cost €60,000. The net cost of the event to the State will be significantly less than the foregoing on foot of sponsorship from the private sector.

I should also mention that in relation to the costs of the EU Presidency the State will benefit from the proceeds of issue by our Central Bank of a special collectors' coin. With regard to the employment of consultancy expertise in association with the event, it will be appreciated that organising and servicing an event of this magnitude makes significant extra demands on my Department. The expertise is mainly to ensure comprehensive and well informed coverage of the event and of the progress of the Irish economy, in the foreign media especially. The expertise is also being engaged to provide support for the programme management of the event.

All of the standard procurement procedures regarding seeking of tenders and assessment of tenders were observed in making the appointment. A final price is being negotiated with the successful applicant at present. I am satisfied that this consultancy will represent good value for money.