Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 1

Written Answers. - Consultancy Contracts.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

299 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the role of consultants (details supplied) appointed by his Department; if the project is ongoing; the conclusions drawn from this work; the cost of the consultancy to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23788/02]

Following a competitive process the consultants in question were appointed by the then Minister for Public Enterprise in September 2000 to carry out a review of the financial issues relating to the future of the post office network. The consultancy was carried out on behalf of the interdepartmental group established by Government to assess options for the long-term viability of the post office services. It was completed in January 2001 and the report of the interdepartmental group, setting out a summary of their conclusions, was published in May 2001. The cost of the consultancy was €58,674.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

300 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the role of consultants (details supplied) appointed by his Department; if the project is ongoing; the conclusions drawn from this work; the cost of the consultancy to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23794/02]

Following a competitive process my Department engaged Magnum Opus Limited to offer technical advice and assistance in the development of local authority ducting and communications infrastructure. The project for which this technical consultancy was required is ongoing.

Acting on the recommendations of Magnum Opus Limited, my Department has made several decisions in relation to the design and quality of the metropolitan rings. Specifically, Magnum Opus Limited has advised the Department in relation to standardisation of technical specifications for supplies of fibre, ducting and chamber frames and covers. Significant economies and quality improvements have been achieved in the procurement of supplies due to the implementation of these common standards. The cost of the consultancy to date is €168,000.

Barr
Roinn