I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
While my Department makes use of external IT service providers for various support and maintenance requirements for its data and communications networks, it has not engaged, nor re-negotiated contracts with, any IT consultants since March 2011. In 2010 and 2011 the Department engaged consultants for the purpose of providing infrastructure- and systems-related security advice and the amounts expended were €65,545 and €23,529 respectively. There are no plans at present to engage ICT consultants in 2014.
It is my Department's policy to seek competitive tenders and to test the market on a regular basis for all IT requirements.