I propose to take Question Nos. 842 and 843 together.
In accordance with Government decision S180/20/10/0839 of 2nd November 2005 on the Abridged Estimates Volume for 2006, I can confirm that I have reviewed the estimates for consultancy expenditure, including ICT expenditure, in my Department in 2006. All procurement will be undertaken in full compliance with the Department of Finance guidelines. Purchasing requirements that do not fall into the category of external support, are also carried out in compliance with both Department of Finance guidelines on procurement, and internal controls for purchasing and procurement.
The majority of information technology expenditure for the second half of 2006 will be on systems, software, equipment and services that have already been tendered for or are as a result of existing contracts and framework agreements.