Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2015
100. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual saving to his Department if spending on professional fees, including but not limited to legal, information technology related, accountancy and other advisory and consultancy fees, was reduced by 10%. [26626/15]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question the total cost of professional fees during 2014 was €2,494,281. The annual saving to the Exchequer based on a reduction of 10% would be €249,428. (Payments are inclusive of VAT where applicable.)
My Department ensures that every effort is made to limit the use of consultants where possible. All contracts are negotiated with a view to achieving best value for money and are kept under review to ensure this is maintained. When the use of consultants is unavoidable the staff in my Department ensure appropriate skills transfer to reduce the requirement for consultants going forward.
I understand the Office of Public Works will be contacting you directly with their response.
