Vol. 483 No. 4
38 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason for the 361 per cent increase in consultancy services outlined in the 1998 Abridged Estimates; whether particular companies have been contracted to conduct these studies; if so, the subject matter in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20550/97]
From time to time, it is necessary for my Department to engage external assistance to provide expert technical advice of a specialised nature.
Typically, such consultancy assignments are in respect of computer systems development, business development and the assessment and evaluation of schemes. Expenditure on consultancy in 1997 is estimated at £635,000.
The budget for consultancy projects is agreed annually as part of the Estimates process and varies depending on the projects which are planned for the year. The Estimate for consultancy expenditure by my Department in 1998 is £2.930 million, an increase of 361 per cent over the expected outturn for 1997.
Of the increase, £2.180 million or 95 per cent is in respect of the Year 2000 computer project. This project concerns the extensive amendment and testing of the Department's computer systems to cater for the date change in the Year 2000.
This is a huge undertaking requiring the use of a considerable number of Department's staff. Given the nature of the project, however, internal resources may have to be augmented at short notice by external analysts and programmers. The increased budget for consultancy is for this purpose and will be used only as required.
My Department follows normal procedures of open competitive tendering for the engagement of consultants and external assistance. To date no contracts have been awarded in respect of assistance required for the Year 2000 computer project.
