Vol. 438 No. 7
32 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, in regard to the recruitment of a company (details supplied) to advise his Department in regard to the Tribunal of Inquiry into the beef industry, the total amount paid in fees; the terms of reference of the appointment; if tenders were sought for the work; the way in which the appointment was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The company referred to was recommended to my Department through the Department of the Taoiseach at the specific request of the State's legal advisers. The engagement was made following discussions between my Department and a representative of the company and was approved by the Department of Finance.
The company was engaged for a total period of 284.5 days to undertake an economic analysis of the beef industry, and in particular the economic benefits of beef exports over the previous decade, and to provide backup research and analysis to the State's legal advisers. The total amount paid by my Department in respect of this engagement was £257,181 including £57,807 withholding tax.
