Tuesday, 21 Jan 2014

Written Answers Nos. 166 - 184

EU Programmes

Questions (166)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

166. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach if the Government will be reviewing its processes and timescale for consultation and engagement with civil society regarding the development of the 2014 EU National Reform Programme following the exit from the bailout programme and given that Ireland is now subject to the full EU semester process and in view of the call from the EU Commission in their communication on the Annual Growth Survey on 13 November 2013 last for greater involvement of national parliaments, social partners and civil partners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2253/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Having exited the EU/IMF Programme of Support, Ireland is participating fully in the 2014 European Semester process. As the Deputy will be aware, this is the fourth European Semester cycle, the third under the enhanced governance arrangements introduced by the six-pack, and the first under the further enhancements introduced by the two-pack.

This year’s semester commenced in November with the publication of the Annual Growth Survey and the Alert Mechanism Report. We fully support the Commission’s continued emphasis on five main priorities over the coming year:

- Pursuing differentiated, growth-friendly fiscal consolidation;

- Restoring lending to the economy;

- Promoting growth and competitiveness for today and tomorrow;

- Tackling unemployment and the social consequences of the crisis;

- Modernising public administration.

On the basis of the Annual Growth Survey the Spring European Council will adopt political orientations to be taken into account by Member States when finalising 2014 National Reform Programmes (NRP) and Stability or Convergence Programmes.

Relevant Government Departments have had preliminary engagements with the European Commission in relation to the Semester, and this engagement will continue over the coming months as we prepare our NRP for submission to the Commission in April.

The input and engagement of stakeholders is an important and valuable part of the process. It is envisaged that stakeholders will engage with relevant Departments in respect of the policy areas likely to feature in our new NRP, and that they will also be given an opportunity to input to the process as the composite NRP is being finalised.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (167)

Niall Collins

Question:

167. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2254/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The total expenditure by my Department on photography from 9th March 2011 to date is provided in the table below:

Year	Amount spent on photography
2011 (9th March to December )	€28,069
2012	€13,449
2013	€44,950*
2014	Nil

My Department ran a competitive tender for the provision of host photography services for major events during Ireland's EU Presidency in 2013. The tender was awarded to Mac Innes Photography Ltd. Increasingly my Department utilises its own staff to take photographs in-house, thereby reducing costs.

Photography costs in my Department have reduced from €83,398 in 2008 to €13,448 in 2012 and €4,898 in 2013 - excluding EU Presidency photography costs. The use of local photographers on international trade missions is required to distribute images to the domestic media to accompany the coverage of domestic journalists who are travelling on behalf of their organisations. Utilising local agencies is cost efficient and costs are kept to a minimum.

The table below lists the occasions for which photographers where used and costs associated with each occasion:

Photography Costs from 9th March 2011 to December 2013

Vendor Name	Description	Cost
The Press Association	The Press Association, Nottingham	€139.30
Hackett's Reprographics	Visa photos for 1 of the Taoiseach's delegation for USA Mar 2011, 10 Mar 2011	€20.25
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	1916 Commemoration 24/04/2011	€502.45
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	SDLP 14/04/2011	€371.17
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Launch of Census 10/3/2011	€357.25
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Newly appointed Ministers 15/03/2011	€478.25
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Jesse Jackson 21/03/2011	€409.58
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Book of Condolence - Japan 22/03/2011	€401.42
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	US Ambassador Dan Rooney 28/03/2011	€401.42
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Jpegs 1916 Commemoration 04/04/2011	€60.50
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Mass New Dail 09/03/2011	€508.50
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Taoiseach Office Photo Call 09/03/2011	€538.75
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Reception New Ministers 09/03/2011	€391.13
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	New Cabinet Meeting 10/03/2011	€492.17
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	New Ministers Appointments 09/03/2011	€780.75
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	The Late Dr. Garret Fitzgerald's Funeral 21-22 May 2011	€2,359.50
My Photobook.ie	27 May 2011 - My PhotoBook.ie	€140.80
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	President Obama Visit 23 May 2011	€4,537.50
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Taoiseach Enda Kenny & Church Leaders on 19 May 2011 at Government Buildings	€409.58
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	British PM Visit to Gov. Buildings on 18 May 2011. 31/05/2011.	€629.50
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	US Congressman on 16 May 2011. assignment covering attendance, taking colour, processing, digital contact sheet.	€280.42
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Hungarian Prime Minister 01-06-11	€409.58
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Excellence Awards ON 09/06/2011	€857.59
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	North South Ministerial Council 10-6-11	€812.21
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	President of European Council 17/6/11	€562.04
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	President Obama Visit 23 May 2011	€260.15
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Obama and Cabinet Ministers 23 May 2011	€740.52
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Maxwells Invoice - New Ambassadors 30-6-11	€332.75
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Chinese Delegation	€357.25
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Saudi Minister 14 June 2011	€280.42
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Richard Haass meets Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 01/04/2011	€371.17
LK Photo	Costs relating to St. Patricks Day Visit to Washington 2011 Photographer D. Taoiseach	€2,106.14
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	New Sec Gen and Ian Paisley on 26/07/2011.	€318.84
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Meeting EU Parliament President 12 July 2011.	€696.05
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Strategy for International Services Industry 14-7-2011	€349.08
HACKETT REPROGRAGHICS	Product code FPP75DIG10-15, (QTY 10-15) 7x5 Digital Prints.	€30.76
J. Higgins Photos	Photos Taoiseach 4/5 May 2011 visit to New York	€303.30
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Arvato meeting with Taoiseach ON 21 Sept 2011.	€560.84
BANK OF IRELAND	19 November 2011 - www.gettyimages.com	€212.96
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Photocall TAOISEACH & New SDLP Leader 09/11/2011.	€340.92
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Photographer for the Presidential Inauguration on 11/11/2011.	€3,956.70
		2012
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Taoiseach signs Book of condolence 20 Dec 2011.	€371.17
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Taoiseach - Christmas Media Meeting 22 Dec 2011.	€296.75
The Press Association	12 January 2012 - Photos of Prime Minister David Cameron with Taoiseach Enda Kenny 10 Downing Street.	€122.01
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	British Irish council 13/01/12	€531.05
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Photos/Taoiseach meeting with Dep PM Nick Clegg	€377.30
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Blue Star Programmes on 07/02/2012.	€539.36
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	EU Presidency Job winning logo on 02/02/2012.	€687.26
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Taoiseach & Tánaiste attend 'Progress to date' launch 07/03/2012.	€195.57
FRANK FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Launch of the Stability Treaty Website, 19 April 2012.	€409.63
FRANK FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Olympic Torch Photocall at Govt Buildings on 06/06/2012.	€268.45
QiLai	Photographer for Taoiseach's visit to China 25/28 March 2012	2,817.49
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Carers Strategy Launch in the Italian Room on 19th July 2012.	€439.11
LK Photos	Taoiseach's visit to US 19-21 March 2012.	€1,774.78
LAFAYETTE PHOTOGRAPHY LTD.	NSMC in Farmleigh on 15/06/2012	€174.24
LAFAYETTE PHOTOGRAPHY LTD.	National day of Commemoration 08/07/2012	€555.75
LAFAYETTE PHOTOGRAPHY LTD.	Olympic Reception at Farmleigh 15/08/2012 -CD of photographs	€330.16
LAFAYETTE PHOTOGRAPHY LTD.	Official Photography services for visit of Secretary of State Northern Ireland on 01 Oct 2012.	€87.66
Michael Hudson Photos	Taoiseach Visit Chicago, 17 March 2012	€302.35
LAFAYETTE PHOTOGRAPHY LTD.	18hrs of photography over 4 days for the JPEGs for Whos Who on the Irish Presidency Website	€3,168.51
		2013
FRANK FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	EU Conference of Presidents, Dublin Castle on 31 December 2012	€116.85
FRANK FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Presidency meeting of European Parliament Leaders, Dublin Castle 29th Nov 2012	€430.51
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Photography Prints for Convention Inaugural Meeting on 1st Dec 2012.	€1,763.46
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Family photo shot, post production touch up + prints (36copies) for the EU Directors General Informal meeting (13-14/1/2013)	€512.62
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	2 JPEG images of the Taoiseach/Cyprus President Nov 2005 - 28 Jan 2013.	€34.44
LAFAYETTE PHOTOGRAPHY LTD.	Eucharistic Congress Reception Dublin Castle 1st July 2012	€171.01
LAFAYETTE PHOTOGRAPHY LTD.	Visit of Secretary of State Northern Ireland on 01 Oct 2012, 18 images sent to media	€19.43
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Photocall for 40 years in the EU, Art Exhibition, 25 February 2013.	€318.54
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting, Dublin Castle, 18/01/13	€1,471.99
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy visit, Dublin Castle, 9/1/2013	€1,645.47
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting, session 2, Dublin Castle, 17/1/2013	€1,449.89
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Informal EU Affairs meeting, Dublin Castle 21/01/13.	€1,564.62
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Informal meeting of Employment 8th Feb. 2013 Dublin Castle.	€817.91
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Informal meeting of Employment 7th Feb. 2013 Dublin Castle.	€1,573.31
LEVON BISS PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Prints of Taoiseach's Time Magazine cover 26/11/2012	€111.95
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	31st Dec 2012 for EU Flag Raising Ceremony attended by Taoiseach at Dublin Castle.	€669.09
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Visit of Presidents Barroso & Schulz at Government Buildings on 28/2/2013. - Post Production Fee	€257.43
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Informal meeting of Defence Ministers 13/2/2013, Dublin Castle.	€817.91
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Informal meeting of Development & Co-operation Ministers 12/2/2013, Dublin Castle.	€1,559.45
M MCNALLY PHOTOGRAPHER	Taoiseach's visit to Downing Street on 11 March 2013.	€335.03
E Hill Photography	Taoiseach's visit to Enniskillen, 11 November 2012.	€700.60
Peter Cavanagh Photography	Whos Who for Presidency. 27/28 Sept. 2012 & 16 Oct 2012.	€1,600.00
Magnum Computers	Photos of Taoiseach's visit to Cleveland, Ohio. October 2012.	€192.41
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Gymnich meeting - 23rd March 2013.	€484.58
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Energy Ministers at Dublin Castle 24 April, 2013	€1,181.62
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers at Dublin Castle 23 April, 2013	€1,307.04
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers at Dublin Castle on 22nd April 2013	€821.57
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Ministers for Trade at Dublin Castle 18 April, 2013	€1,535.67
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Hunger-Nutrition Conference at Dublin Castle 15 April,2013	€968.41
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	ECOFIN Ministerial Informal meeting on 13/4/2013	€1,870.49
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of ECOFIN Ministerial Informal 12 April 2013.	€4,126.55
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Hunger-Nutrition & Climate Change at Dublin Castle on 16th April 2013.	€817.91
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Commission College meeting Dublin Castle on 10 Jan 2013 - Prints & Digital Imaging	€2,042.61
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Health Informal Ministerial Meeting 4th March, Dublin Castle attendance	€276.75
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	EU Presidency Team Group Shot on 01 May 2013.	€302.58
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Health Informal Ministerial Meeting 5th March 2013- Dublin Castle.	€1,134.33
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Gymich meeting 22nd March 2013, Photography & high resolution imaging	€1,570.00
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Ministerial Informal, Agriculture Ministers on 27th & 28th May 2013	€2,453.74
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Ministerial Informal - Competitiveness [Dept. DJEI ] 2nd May 2013	€817.91
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Informal meeting of Competitiveness - Council day on 03 May 2013.	€1,134.34
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Family photos of Presidency team at Government Buildings on 01 May 2013.	€31.38
MAC INNES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD	Presidency Liaison Officers Photos at Dublin Castle on 27 May 2013.	€162.01
Marty Katz Photography & James Higgins Photography	St Patrick's Day Visit, New York - 16-17 March 2013	€2,235.66
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	North South Ministerial Meeting on 05/07/2013 at Dublin Castle Sundays F.T.P. images to Media outlets	€706.02
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	EU Presidency staff event on 05/07/2013 at Dublin Castle - Upload of images to online gallery	€292.74
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Round table discussion with the Taoiseach and on Online Retailers on 06 Sept 2013.	€292.74
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY	Taoiseach's meeting with Bill Clinton at Government Buildings - 09/10/2013	€249.69

*€40,052 of the 2013 expenditure relates to EU Presidency.

Departmental Agencies

Questions (168)

Simon Harris

Question:

168. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Taoiseach the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2255/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

There is only one agency, National Economic and Social Council under the remit of my Department.

In July 2012, the Government agreed to the recommendations of a Review of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) and the National Economic and Social Development Office undertaken by my Department. It was agreed to dissolve the NESDO but to retain the NESC as the statutory body.

The Review also recommended a number of measures to streamline and improve the operation of the NESC and achieve further efficiencies. Work to implement the outcome of the Review, including development of the necessary legislation, is underway in my Department.

In the meantime I have asked the Council to focus its work programme on more immediate and shorter term issues and to prepare more frequent and succinct reports reflecting the varying views of its members. In addition, sustainable development has been integrated into the work of the NESC as a result of the dissolution of Comhar which used to operate under the aegis of the Department of the Environment and Local Government.

Five NESC Secretariat staff have also been seconded to work on priority issues in the Department of the Taoiseach and Department of Finance.

NESC's 2013 Grant-in-Aid drawn down from my Department was €1.95 million, representing a 63% reduction in drawn down funding since 2008 and a 23% reduction since 2010.

Charities and Voluntary Organisations

Questions (169)

John Deasy

Question:

169. Deputy John Deasy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of each allocation from his Department’s expenditure budget to registered charities in each of the past three years. [2257/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

My Department's Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI) provides grants to a range of organisations such as local community groups, NGOs, academic institutions and schools, to encourage projects with a focus on public communications on the European Union. Total payments by my Department under CEI in 2012 was €134,042, in 2013 was €159,350 and nil to date in 2014. Prior to 2012 the allocation was included in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades budget allocation.

It is possible that some funding may have been provided to registered charities under the CEI budgetary allocation in the past three years. However, the information is not readily available. It is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.

Departmental Contracts Data

Questions (170)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

170. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 5 November 2013, if he will list the manufacturers of the State gifts listed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2258/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The information sought by the Deputy regarding the manufacturers, or where appropriate the suppliers, of gifts presented by Taoisigh during the last ten years is set out in the schedule.

I should add that the Department is open to sourcing gifts from other manufacturers and/or suppliers in Ireland whenever the opportunity arises.

Country and Date	Recipient	Gift	Manufacturer / Supplier
Algeria 09.04.2008	President of the Council of Nations	Dublin a Celebration book in slipcase	Pat Liddy
Austria [Tour of Capitals 2003]	Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel	Leather Bound Book Wild Geese	Antiquarian Bookcrafts
Australia 22.05.2006	PM John Howard	Silver Photo frame with harp	Celtic Frames
Bahrain 03.10.2003	Sheikh Khalifa	Waterford Crystal 10” Bowl	Waterford Crystal
Bahrain 12.10.2004	Prime Minister	Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal
Belgium 08.10.2007	King of Belgium	Waterford Crystal Candlesticks	Waterford Crystal
Bulgaria 12.12.05	H.E. Georgi Paranov, President	Pair Metalcraft Candlesticks	Promocraft
Canada 05.07.2005	PM Martin	Waterford Crystal 9” Bowl	Waterford Crystal
Canada 16.03.2004	PM Martin	Waterford Crystal John Rocha Platter	Waterford Crystal
Canada 16.06.2013	PM Harper	Crystal ‘Gathering’ Rose Bowl.	Waterford Crystal
Chile 10.07.2003	President Lagos	Waterford Crystal Lismore Bowl	Waterford Crystal
China 11.05.2004	PM Wen	John Rocha Crystal Wine set	Waterford Crystal
China 17.01.2005	H.E.Hu Jintao H.E.Wen Jiabao	John Rocha Crystal Wine set Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal
China 19.10.2008	Premier Minister Wu Jinato	Crystal Louise Kennedy Photo Frame	Tipperary Crystal
China 19.02.2012	Vice President H.E. Xi Jinping	Set [12] Galway Crystal Glasses	Galway Crystal
China 25.03.2012	Premier State Council H.E.Wen Jiabao Chairman National Peoples Congress Wu Vice Premier Li Keqiang Vice President H.E. Xi Jinping	Crystal Fitzgerald 15cm Platter Waterford Crystal Fitzgerald 15cm Platter Crystal Trillium Vase Dublin Crystal Harp Bowl	Dublin Crystal Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal Dublin Crystal
China 30.10.2013	Vice Premier of State Council Ma Kai	Waterford Crystal Engraved Bowl	Waterford Crystal
Colombia 23.03 2004	Vice President	Encyclopaedia of Ireland in presentation case	Reeds & Antiquarian Books
Croatia 29.11.2005	Croatian President Croatian Prime Minister	Silver King Sitric Cufflinks	Dublin Design Studio
Cyprus 05.11 2003	President Yassos Papadopoulos	Silver Salver	John J.Cooke & Co.
Cyprus 30.11.2005	President Yassos Papadopoulos	Waterford Crystal Lismore 9” bowl	Waterford Crystal
Czech Republic 10.11.2008	PM Spidla	Silver Danu Cufflinks	Lee Brothers
Czech Republic 10.11.2008	President Claus	Bog Oak Basketball Player in Frame	Celtic Roots
Denmark 10.03.2004	Prime Minister of Denmark	Encyclopaedia of Ireland in presentation case	Reeds & Antiquarian Books
East Timor 18.10.2003	President Xana Gusamo	Waterford Crystal Candleticks	Waterford Crystal
East Timor 08.03.2010	President Jose Ramos Horta	Book – Limited Edition	Botanic Gardens
Egypt 07.12.2006	President Mubarak	Waterford Crystals Candlesticks	Waterford Crystal
Estonia 04.04.2012 Estonia 14.04.2008	President of Estonia President of Estonia	Newbridge Prelude Cufflinks Waterford Crystal Candlesticks	Newbridge Silver Waterford Crystal
EU Day of Welcomes. Irelands EU Presidency 01.05.2004.	All EU Heads of State and Governments + Commission President and Parliament President participating in Day of Welcomes Ceremony.	‘Dublin a Celebration’ in presentation case. Seamus Heaney Poem in binder. Commemorative Boxed Silver Coaster & Disc.	Pat Liddy Library Bindings Celtic Frames
EU/ Russia Summit 21.05.2004	President Putin	Silver Salver	John J. Cooke & Co.
EU Comm. Meeting 06.01.2004	EU Commissioners EU President Romano Prodi	Encyclopaedia of Ireland in presentation case. Leather Bound Encyclopaedia of Ireland.	Reeds & Antiquarian Books Reeds & Antiquarian Books
EU / Latin America Summit 11.05.2006	President Fischer	Great Houses of Ireland Book	Hodges Figgis
EU/US Summit 26.06.2004	President George Bush	Encyclopaedia of Ireland in presentation case. Aran Sweater	Reeds & Antiquarian Books House of Ireland
EU Parliament 27.11.2003	Mr. Pat Cox, President of the EU Parliament.	Encyclopaedia of Ireland in presentation case.	Reeds and Antiquarian Books
EU Parliament 07.04.2008	Mr. Hans Pottering, President EU Parliament	Silver King Sitric Cufflinks	Dublin Design Studio
EU Comm. 17.04.2008	Mr. Jose Manuel Barosso, President of the EU Commission.	Silver King Sitric Cufflinks	Dublin Design Studiio
EU Parliament 04/10/2012	Mr. Martin Schulz, President of the EU Parliament.	Galway Crystal Tumblers	Galway Crystal
Finland 23.02.2004	PM Matti van Hanen	Encyclopaedia of Ireland.	Reeds
Finland 05.11/2007	Ms. Tarja Halonen, Presidentt	Waterford Crystal Bethany Candlesticks	Waterford Crystal
France 22.03.2004	President Chirac	Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal
France 24.05.2004	P.M. Jean-Pierre Raffarin	Metalcraft Candlesticks	Promocraft
France 03.06.2004	President Chirac	Encyclopaedia of Ireland in presentation case.	Reeds & Antiquarian Books
France 14.07.2008	President Sarkozy	Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal
France 21.09.2007	President Sarkozy	Silver Cufflink DVD Ireland from the Air	Dublin Design Studio DVD Postcards of Ireland Ltd.
France 01.10.2008	President Sarkozy	Waterford Crystal Flutes	Waterford Crystal
France 21.07.2008	President Sarkozy	Bog Oak Sculpture	Celtic Roots
Georgia 11.11.2010	PM Nika Gilauni	Silver Cufflinks and Tie Pin Set	Dublin Design Studio
Germany 09.04.2004	Chancellor Schroeder	Silver Salver	John.J.Cooke
Germany 14.04.2008	Chancellor Merkel	Damask Linen Tablecloth	Thomas Ferguson & Co.
Great Britain 17.05.2011	HRM Queen Elizabeth 11	Special Edition Sweeney Guide to the Irish Turf 1501-2001	De Burca Rare Books
Great Britain 05/03/2003	PM Blair	Music Book & Music CDs	Waterstones & Celtic Notes
Greece 23.05.2013	PM Samuras	Celtic Knot Cufflinks	Declan Killen
Hungary 10.01.2005	Hungarian President	Metalcraft Candlesticks	Promocraft
Hungary 24.11.2005	PM Gyurcsany	Silver Cufflinks	Dublin Design Studio
Iceland 12.09.2007	PM Mr. G. Haarde	Ogham Cufflinks	National Museum
India 16.01.2006	President of India PM India Chief Minister Delhi	Waterford Crystal Candlesticks Waterford Crystal Vase Silver Cufflinks	Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal Dublin Design Studio
Italy 10.06.2013	Prime Minister	Silver Celtic Knot Cufflinks	Declan Killen ltd.
Japan 11.01.2009	PM Aso	Crystal Louise Kennedy Candlesticks	Tipperary Crystal
Japan 19.06.2013	PM Abe	Cufflinks -Salmon of Knowledge	Kilkenny Design
Japan 07.05.2005	Emperor & Empress of Japan	Crystal Oriental Dragon on Ebony Plinth	Waterford Crystal
Jordan 01.03.2004	King of Jordan	Waterford Crystal Bowl	Waterford Crystal
Kosovo 22.12.2008	PM Thaci President Fatmir Srjdiu	Waterford Crystal Vase & Silver Cufflinks Waterford Crystal Vase & Silver Cufflinks /Tie Pin set	Waterford Crystal Dublin Design Studio Waterford Crystal Dublin Design Studio
Latvia 06.06.2013	President Andris Berzins PM Valdis Dombrovskis	Celtic Silver Cufflinks Foxford Woolen Scarf	Declan Killen Ltd. Foxford Woolen Mills
Lebanon 26.04.2004	Prime Minister	Waterford Crystal Candlesticks	Waterford Crystal
Lithuania 08.10.2007	Prime Minister	Waterford Crystal Square Bowl	Waterford Crystal
Macedonia 19.11.2009	President	Waterford Crystal Bowl	Waterford Crystal
Madmoud Abbas 22.09.2008	President	Silver Cufflinks and Tie Pin Set	Dublin Design Studio
Malaysia 16.06.2003	King	Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal
Malaysia 10.10.2004	King Prime Minister	Waterford Crystal Bowl Waterford Crystal Candlesticks	Waterford Crystal
Mexico 26.05.2004	President Fox	Encyclopaedia of Ireland in presentation case.	Reeds & Antiquarian Books
Monaco 04.04.2011	Prince Albert	Waterford Crystal Wedding Flutes	Waterford Crystal
Newfound-land 16.09.2005	Hon. Danny Williams Premier	Bronze Hurler on Mahogany Plinth	Genesis Bronze Craft
Newfound-land 28.02.2007	Hon. Danny Williams Premier	Book on Ancient Ireland	Greene’s Bookshop
Norway 13.02.04	Prime Minister	Encyclopaedia of Ireland	Reeds
Norway 18.09.2006	King Harold Queen of Norway	Golden Age of Irish Art Gold Cufflinks Gold Ear Studs	National Museum National Museum National Museum
Palestine 12.02.2004	Prime Minister	Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal
Papal Visit 20.07.2005	Pope Benedict	Hand painted Batik of St. Benedict gift boxed	Bernadette Madden
Poland 29.01.2004	H,.E. Mr. Leszek Miller PM	Encyclopaedia of Ireland.	Reeds
Poland 26.02.2008	PM Tusk President Kaczynski	Waterford Crystal Vase Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal
Poland 19.02.2007	President	Silver Picture Frame with Harp	Celtic Frames
Romania 19.11.2003	Prime Minister	Antique Map of Ireland	Antique Prints
Russia 29.05.2003	President Putin	Waterford Crystal Bowl	Waterford Crystal
Saudi Arabia 18.02.2008	HRH Prince Faisal	Waterford Crystal Square Bowl	Waterford Crystal
Saudi Arabia 14.01.2007	King of Saudi Arabia H.H. Prince Abdullah Crown Prince Sultan Prince Abdu Aziz HRH Prince Salmon Bin Abdul	Waterford Crystal Lamp Waterford Crystal John Rocha Vase Waterford Crystal Centrepiece Waterford Crystal Candlesticks Waterford Crystal Bowl	Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal
Scotland 13.01.2012	Scottish First Minister Salmond	History of Ireland Cufflinks	James Murtagh Jewellers
Serbia & Montenegro 20.06.2005	President	Waterford Crystal Candlesticks	Waterford Crystal
Slovenia 25.02.2008	PM Jansa	Turned Wood Rimmed Bowl	Kilkenny Design
Singapore 12.10.2004	President Prime Minister	Waterford Crystal Centrepiece Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal
Slovakia 26.03.2007	President Gasparovic	Silver Picture Frame with Harp	Celtic Frames
Slovakia 13.11.2006	Prime Minister	Dublin of Celebration Book	Pat Liddy
South Africa 09.04.2008	Deputy President	Linen Table Runner Napkin & Tray Cloths Set	Thomas Ferguson & Co. Ltd
South Africa 14.01.2008	Deputy President Vice President President	Waterford Crystal Centrepiece Waterford Crystal Centrepiece Waterford Crystal Candlesticks	Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal
Sweden 22.01.2004	PM Goran Persson	Silver Paper Knife	Celtic Frames
Switzer-land 18.10.2003	Confederation President Pascal Couchpin	Waterford Crystal Candlesticks	Waterford Crystal
Switzer-land 16.02.2004	President Joseph Deiss	Encyclopaedia of Ireland.	Reeds
Tanzania 14.01.2008	Prime Minister President	Linen Damask Tablecloth Newbridge Cutlery	Thomas Ferguson & Co. Ltd. Newbridge Silverware
Tanzania 25.02.2009	Prime Minister	Waterford Crystal Bowl	Waterford Crystal
Thailand 06.10.2004	PM Thaksin Shinawtra	Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal
Turkey 17.07.2003	Prime Minister President	Waterford Crystal Candlesticks Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal
United Arab Emirates 16.01.2007	HH Sheikh Khalifa, President UAE & Ruler of Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Mohammed Prime Minister UAE	Waterford John Rocha Vase Waterford Crystal Candlesticks	Waterford Crystal Waterford Crystal
United Nations 31.05.2006	General Secretary U.N. Kofi Annan	Silver King Sitric Cufflinks	Dublin Design Studio
U.S.A. 24.05.2005	Former President, Mr. Bill Clinton	Special Midleton Rare Whiskey	Mitchell & Son
U.S.A St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2003	President Bush	Shamrock Bowl	Dublin Crystal
U.S.A St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2004	President Bush	Shamrock Bowl	BJ Fitzpatrick
U.S.A. St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2005	President Bush Former President, Mr. Bill Clinton	Shamrock Bowl Silver King Citric Cufflinks	Louise Kennedy / Tipperary Crystal Dublin Design Studio
U.S.A St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2006	President Bush	Shamrock Bowl	Waterford Crystal
U.S.A St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2007	President Bush	Shamrock Bowl	Waterford Crystal
U.S.A. St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2008	President Bush Retirement gift for President Bush	Shamrock Bowl Bog Oak	BJ Fitzpatrick Celtic Roots
U.S.A St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2009	President Obama	Shamrock Bowl [Ormonde Footed Bowl]	BJ Fitzpatrick
U.S.A St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2010	President Obama President Obama	Shamrock Bowl Set of 2 (rare Yeats Plays and Poetry	Dublin Crystal De Burca Rare Books
U.S.A St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2011	President Obama President Obama Vice President Joe Biden	Shamrock Bowl Historical Framed Photo of John F. Kennedy Hand Crafted inscribed Hurley set	Fred Curtis Studio Michael Quinn Philip Archibold
U.S.A. 23.05.2011	President Obama	History of Ireland Cufflinks	James Murtagh Jewellers
U.S.A St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2012	President Obama Vice President Joe Biden	Shamrock Bowl Bronze Maquette of James Hoban Irish Coin Cufflinks	Waterford Crystal Paul Ferriter Birthday Cufflinks
U.S.A St. Patrick’s Day Visit 2013	President Obama Vice President Biden	Shamrock Bowl Crystal Picture Frame	Sean Egan Art Glass Kilkenny Design
Vietnam 06.10.2004	PM Pham Van Khi	Waterford Crystal Vase	Waterford Crystal
Vietnam 10.03.2008	President Dung	Waterford Crystal Square Bowl	Waterford Crystal
Vietnam 22.10.2009	Prime Minister	Book – Great Houses of Ireland	Hodges Figgis

Ministerial Advisers Remuneration

Questions (171)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

171. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach the names and amount by which each programme manager-special adviser has exceeded the relevant pay guidelines as laid down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2259/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Under the Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices separate arrangements apply to the staffing requirements of the offices of the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste.

Following the general reductions provided for under the Haddington Road agreement, the salaries of Mr. Mark Kennelly (Chief of Staff) and Mr. Andrew McDowell (Special Advisor) were reduced to €156,380.

Freedom of Information Requests

Questions (172)

Seán Fleming

Question:

172. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach the number of Freedom of Information requests received by his Department in 2012 and 2013; the number of requests for which a search and retrieval fee was sought; the maximum fee sought by his Department in respect of a request received and the number of requests not proceeded following the non-payment of the search and retrieval fee sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2261/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

All Freedom of Information requests received in my Department are processed by designated officials in accordance with the FOI Acts. In the case of non-personal requests the legislation specifies that a fee shall be charged equal to the estimated cost of search, retrieval and copying of records concerned.

The details requested for the years specified are set out in the table below. The maximum fee sought by my Department in this period in respect of a request received was for €2,681.60.

While this request was withdrawn, the request for information was handled outside of FOI and information provided to the requester.

Given that the scale of such fees depend on the volume of records involved, my Department endeavours to assist requesters to refine requests that are very broad to keep fees to a minimum.

-	2012	2013
Total FOI Requests	153	91
Total where Search and Retrieval fee sought	30	14
Total where request not proceeded with following non-payment	12	1

Departmental Bodies

Questions (173)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

173. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the total number of Irish quasi-autonomous NGOs that his Department either created or fall under his Department’s responsibility and were in existence when he became Taoiseach and continue to exist to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2262/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

There are no NGOs under the remit of my Department.

Departmental Agencies Board Appointments

Questions (174)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

174. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the total number of chairpersons of State boards, agencies and regulators which fall under his Department’s responsibility who were chairpersons when he became Taoiseach and continue to be chairpersons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2263/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Chairperson of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has traditionally been Secretary General of my Department. I appointed the current Secretary General as Chairperson of the NESC and Chairperson of the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) with effect from 1 August 2011 for a five year term.

Section 18 of the the Statistics Act 1993 sets out the composition and membership of the National Statistics Board (NSB). The NSB comprises a Chairperson and seven Board members.

The Chairperson of the NSB who was in situ when I took office in 2011 was reappointed as Chairperson of the NSB in 2013.

Oireachtas Reform Agenda

Questions (175)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

175. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach if a new structure for the Oireachtas committee system will be established as envisaged for a Dáil under a unicameral system notwithstanding the decision by the Irish people to retain a bicameral system; if legislation is required or if changes to standing orders are expected to be published to give effect to these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2264/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

The Programme for Government sets out an ambitious Oireachtas Reform agenda, which will be implemented over the lifetime of the Government on a phased basis.

Enhancing the role and powers of the Oireachtas Committees is at the heart of the Reform agenda.

In the summer of 2011 the first phase of reform included establishing a new Oireachtas Committee system which included a number of Programme for Government reforms designed to enhance the Committee system:

- The number of Oireachtas Committees was reduced from 25 to 16.

- A system of pre-legislative review was established under which Oireachtas Committees are involved at an early stage in the development of legislation before a Bill is published.

- A Public Service Oversight and Petitions Committee chaired by a member of the Opposition was established.

In June 2012 the Oireachtas Committee system was further re-structured:

- Dissolving and reorganising of a number of administrative Oireachtas Committees to allow the reallocation of resources towards Oireachtas Committees dealing with Government Departments.

- The establishment of an Oireachtas Committee on Jobs to focus solely on this area of Government priority.

- The establishment of an Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to deal with the increased workload in this area in light of the proposed changes to the CAP.

- The merger of the role of Chairperson on the Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement with that of the Irish Co-Chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly.

In September 2013 the Taoiseach, Tanáiste and Government Chief Whip announced a second phase of Oireachtas Reforms which included a number of changes to enhance the powers of Oireachtas Committees.

The changes currently being introduced to Oireachtas Committees under this second phase of Oireachtas Reforms include:

More Public Involvement in law making .

- A Pre-Legislative stage before the relevant Oireachtas Committee will be required for all non-emergency legislation.

- Where a Minister does not bring a Bill to Committee for Pre-Legislative Stage, they will be required to outline to both the Cabinet and the Dáil the reasons for this decision.

- This will allow for an unprecedented and extensive engagement by the public in law making. The Committee can consult with citizens with expertise in the area, civic society groups and other interested groups – crucially, this will take place before the Legislation is drafted.

- Where there has been Pre-Legislative Stage the Chair or Vice Chair of the Committee will have an equal right to speak as the Minister and the Opposition spokespersons before the Dáil to outline the Committee's work.

Post Legislative Review

- A Minister will report to the relevant Oireachtas Select Committee within 12 months of enactment to review the functioning of the Act. This will allow for the Committee to consult with civil society groups and individuals with expertise in the relevant area.

Enhancing the role of Oireachtas Committees in the Budget Process

April to September

- In April each year the Stability Programme Update is presented by the Government to the EU. Committees can review this information and report before the Budget in October.

October to December

- The Budget and Spending Estimates will be published earlier than in the past.

- The Dáil and Committees will now scrutinise the Budget proposals and the Estimates earlier than in the past.

In September 2013 the Government also outlined a new Committee structure to operate under a unicameral parliamentary system if the referendum to abolish the Seanad was passed. This Committee structure would consist of 14 Dáil Committees including four strategic committees, seven sectoral committees and three thematic committees with Committee Chairs appointed under the d’Hondt system.

The referendum result maintains the bicameral system and the proposed changes to the Committee structure are now under review to identify those reforms that can operate under a bicameral system.

Work is already underway on the next, and third, phase of Oireachtas Reform which will include further reform of the Oireachtas Committee structure.

Changes to the Oireachtas Committee structure have already required amendments to the Dáil Standing Orders and further reforms of these structures will also require amendments to the Standing Orders.

Legislative Programme

Questions (176)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

176. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the total number of Bills that have been published by his Department since he was appointed Taoiseach; the number and title of those Bills which included a regulatory impact assessment in advance of publication; which regulatory impact assessments were published; the total number of promised Bills for publication; if he will list the bills which will include a regulatory impact assessment and which regulatory impact assessments will be published before publication of the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2266/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

There was one Bill published by my Department since I was appointed Taoiseach.

The Thirty-second Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Éireann) Bill 2013, was published in June 2013, further to a commitment in the Programme for Government. A regulatory impact analysis (RIA) is normally required for all primary legislation but there are certain exceptions to this rule which are set out in the relevant guidelines. As the Bill concerned involved amending the Constitution for the purpose of abolishing the Seanad rather than significantly impacting on the regulatory environment a RIA was not completed in keeping with precedents for Bills of this nature.

Currently there is one Bill promised for publication.

Work is underway in my Department on the National Economic and Social Development Office (Amendment) Bill at the moment. The legislation and a regulatory impact assessment will be published in due course.

Electoral Reform

Questions (177)

Gerry Adams

Question:

177. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach when he will bring forward and implement proposals for Northern Ireland representation in Dáil Éireann. [2269/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

There are no proposals for Northern Ireland representation in Dáil Éireann.

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (178)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the extent to which agency staff have been used in his Department in each of the past five years to date for the purpose of answering and transferring calls on the switchdesk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2271/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

A switchdesk service is provided to my Department by Éircom. Two Telephonists are provided to operate the telephone switchdesk.

This arrangement originates from a time when telephonist services were provided to all Government Departments by the Department of Post and Telegraphs. This arrangement has met the Department’s needs for a prolonged period.

Departmental Reports

Questions (179)

Barry Cowen

Question:

179. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department including payments from ministerial allowances, broken down by report; if he will provide the details of any consultants employed; the names of each report and their status as published or ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2368/14]

Written answers

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Questions (180)

Clare Daly

Question:

180. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach the amount his Department spends on an annual basis in payments to consultancy firms (details supplied). [2484/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

My Department has made no payments to Accenture or Oracle in 2013 or to date in 2014.

North-South Implementation Bodies

Questions (181)

Joe McHugh

Question:

181. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will list all formal North-South meetings through the North-South Ministerial Council; formal engagements between him and formal engagement by him on North-South issues and bilateral meetings on an east-west basis for the years 2009 to 2013 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2248/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 79 on Wednesday 15 January 2014 which includes the information that he has requested.

Human Rights Issues

Questions (182)

Finian McGrath

Question:

182. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the issue of British systematic abuse of prisoners in Iraq at European Union and United Nation level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2302/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

UK combat troops were withdrawn from Iraq in 2009. I note that a number of cases have been taken in the UK to bring individuals to account for alleged abuses in Iraq and that convictions have resulted.

I have no plans to raise the issue at EU or UN level. In discussions relating to Iraq, the immediate focus of my concern would be the very serious violence afflicting the Iraqi people at the present time.

Departmental Reports

Questions (183)

Barry Cowen

Question:

183. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department including payments from ministerial allowances, broken down by report; if he will provide the details of any consultants employed; the names of each report and their status as published or ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2362/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation).

The Department commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and particularly where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagements, these consultants/experts may prepare reports and other documentation for the Department. In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed - and continues to inform - my Department’s policies, allowing for more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.

The following tables set out the details of external reports commissioned under Vote 28 and Vote 27 since February 2011. The reports in question were funded from the Department’s Votes and none was paid for from Ministerial allowances.

External Reports commissioned under Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Date of Commission	Experts/Consultants	Matter Reported On	Cost (€)	Date of publication
06.05.2011	Peter McEvoy	Evaluation of a number of Organisations funded by the Emigrant Support Programme(ESP)	13,075	July 2013
06.09.2012	Mike Williams	Evaluation of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation	12,247	July 2013
16.11.2012	PA Consulting Group	Evaluating the value of the economic relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland.	73,083	July 2013
11.07.2013	Wright Consultancy Ltd	Gender Equality Audit	14,000	Not published

External Reports commissioned under Vote 27 (International Cooperation)

Date of Commission	Experts/Consultants	Matter Reported On	Cost (€)	Date of Publication
28.04.2011	Kevin Moore	Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment	13,581	Not Applicable – see footnote*
28.04.11	Paul Sheane	Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment	9,965	*
05.05.2011	Stefanie Meredith	Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries	10,100	*
05.05.2011	Samia Saad	Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries	9,198	*
05.05.2011	Paud Murphy	Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)	9,064	*
05.05.2011	80:20	Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)	9,870	*
05.05.2011	Eilis Murray	Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)	6,068	*
05.05.2011	ISOS	Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)	42,247	*
01.06.2011	Bernard McLoughlin	Review of the Irish Aid Centre, Dublin	6,143	*
01.06.2011	Cathal Higgins	Preparation of a report on the programme of education sector budget support towards school infrastructural development in Karamoja region and skills development in the oil sector (Uganda)	5,000	*
12.09.2011	Humanitarian Policy Ltd	Review of Security Policy & Practice among Irish Aid Humanitarian Partners	33,930	*
12.08.2011	Mike Williams	Review of Humanitarian Programme Plan for Irish Aid	18,742	*
09.01.2012	Cathy Roche	Review of the Our World Awards 2005-2011	6,300	*
18.05.2012	Everywhere Consulting	Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Humanitarian Hub at Shannon Airport	74,983	*
01.06.2012	Fintan Farrelly	Review of the Irish Aid Strategic Environmental Partnership Programme	6,301	*
01.11.2012	John Paton	Africa Strategy Scoping Exercise	9,900	*
01.11.2012	Mike Williams	Review of Misean Cara	20,695	*
01.03.2013	Bronagh Hynes & Karen McMinn Consultants	Report on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security	20,811	June 2013
01.02.2013	Mary Jennings	Review of HRD (Human Rights and Democratisation) Scheme Irish Aid Palestine	15,500	*
01.04.2013	ASTEC Global Consultancy Ltd	Review of Irish Aid Financial Policies and Procedures	33,000	*
05.04.13	Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors	External Validation of Risk-Based Audit Planning Exercise	13,890	*
01.04.13	Una Murray	External support for a Review of Irish Aid support to Mama Cash and Intern-Parliamentary Union	37,500	*
07.07.13	Gareth Williams Backstop Consulting	Governance, Financial & Programme Review of Camara Education	23,142	*
05.07.13	John Geraghty Geraghty Consulting	Review of University College Cork's Programme of Technical Support Internships for Food Security	7,500	*
01.07.13	Natural Research Institute	Review of Irish Aid Support to Fair and Ethical Trade Initiatives	14,583	*

*Reports commissioned by the Department in relation to Irish Aid matters are generally for internal management usage and not for publication. However, many are published on the Irishaid.ie website or, in appropriate cases, can be made available on request.

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Questions (184)

Clare Daly

Question:

184. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount his Department spends on an annual basis in payments to consultancy firms (details supplied). [2478/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28: Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Vote 27: International Cooperation. Payments from both Votes to the firms listed in the Deputy’s question are set out below. The payments listed relate to software support and licence requirements.

Summary of Payments in €000’s

Year	Firm	Firm
	Oracle	Accenture
2011	63	-
2012	70	-
2013	70	-