The procurement of services is essential to support the Department in providing high quality service to the public in a cost effective and efficient manner and is governed by a comprehensive regulatory, legal and procedural framework. The Department engages consultants (individuals or organisations) to provide intellectual or knowledge based services (e.g. expert analysis and advice) including the delivery of reports, studies, assessments, recommendations and proposals that contribute to decision making or policy making.
The majority of expenditure on consultancy expertise is to support the Department in implementing a multi-annual service delivery modernisation programme to enhance the efficiency and quality of delivery of services to customers. Further technical consultancies relate to the on-going development of the Department’s extensive information technology systems.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the attached table. I am satisfied that the engagement of consultants provides valuable support to the Department and that the procurement of consultants is compliant with best practice in realising value for money.
Year 2013
|
-
|
-
|
CONSULTANTS ENGAGED
|
PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY
|
€
|
Naked Objects Group Ltd
|
BOMi - Business Objects Modelling Advice & Expertise
|
234,463
|
Naked Objects Group Ltd
|
BOMi- Technical Development Advice
|
168,181
|
ESRI
|
SWITCH Research Programme
|
150,000
|
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion
|
External Service Delivery - Employment Services
|
140,989
|
Haywood Associates
|
BOMi- Technical Development Advice
|
87,872
|
Axiom Consulting
|
Report on Organisation Development
|
74,812
|
ESRI
|
Analysis & measurement of Deprivation & Poverty
|
69,979
|
Deloitte & Touche
|
IS Internal Audit Services
|
48,688
|
Accenture
|
Mobile Opportunity Exploration
|
33,388
|
Mercer Ireland Ltd
|
Long-term Pensions Policy Research
|
18,450
|
ESRI
|
Profiling of “Stock” Live Registrants
|
16,873
|
Microsoft
|
Support to Technical Architecture Group
|
11,515
|
Irish Research Council
|
Social Inclusion Research Innovation Awards
|
11,103
|
Mel Cousins & Associates
|
Review of Best International Practice regarding In-Work Supports
|
10,000
|
TOR Financial
|
Models of National Employment Based Pension Systems
|
9,900
|
ESRI
|
Evaluation Research (BTEA)
|
9,809
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers
|
Provision of Financial Advisory Services (for Payment Services Evaluation)
|
7,380
|
Deloitte & Touche
|
Provision of Security Partner Services
|
6,540
|
Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute
|
Update of the Diet Supplement Diet Cost Report
|
4,000
|
Mel Cousins & Associates
|
Guidance documentation for deciding & appeals officers
|
2,400
|
OECD
|
Youth Guarantee Advice
|
0*
|
*Final invoice €50,000 yet to be processed.