Departmental Expenditure.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004

Thursday, 7 October 2004

Questions (258, 259)

Olwyn Enright

Question:

258 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money paid out by his Department in public relations fees; the name of the firm that was paid the highest amount; the amount paid to a specific firm (details supplied); the amount of money paid out by the Department in other consultancy fees; the name of the firm or individual paid the highest amount for the most recent 12 month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23876/04]

Written answers

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

My Department paid out a total of €98,981.53 in respect of public relations fees since its establishment in June 2002. The highest amount, €94,904 was paid toMontague Communications in respect of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs. I can confirm that no moneys were paid to the specific firm.

My Department paid out a total of €2,518,157.23 in respect of other consultancy fees awarded or continued since its establishment in June 2002. The highest amount, €550,223 was paid to Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in respect of a linguistic study on the usage of Irish in the Gaeltacht as a basis for strengthening the linguistic development of the Gaeltacht as an Irish-speaking area and a basis for a review of the official Gaeltacht boundaries. The balance covers a wide range of consultancies including technical studies on piers, airstrips, etc.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

259 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total amount of money paid out by his Department in legal fees; the details of the firms paid the greatest amount of fees; the total amount of money paid out in legal settlements; the number of such settlements; the total number of claims against his Department, for the most recent 12 month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23890/04]

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

My Department has made no legal settlements in the period covered by the question. There is one claim against my Department currently before the courts; no other claims have arisen in the period. My Department has paid €51,174 in legal fees to Philip Lee Solicitors.