I propose to take Questions Nos. 609 and 612 together.
My Department operates a shared ICT service which, in addition to supporting the business of the Department of Health also provides IT support for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children. While my Department does engage external contractors for specific services, such as software development, security and network support, it has not, in the periods specified, engaged external consultants in relation to IT and consequently the issue of renegotiating does not arise. Contracts for operational ICT work are re-tendered in line with public procurement requirements.