The Department's activities require the engagement of a range of consultancy expertise. Broadly, expertise is sought under three main headings: support with strategic programmes aimed at enhancing the delivery of the Department's services, such as the service delivery modernisation programme, technical consultancies relating to information technology systems, and consultancy assistance in other areas including policy development. Details of the number of projects and expenditure involved each year from 2000 are as follows:
Year
|
No. of projects
|
Costs
|
2000
|
19
|
£1,876,000
|
2001
|
22
|
£3,605,000
|
2002
|
53
|
€4,704,000
|
2003
|
43
|
€1,975,000
|
2004
|
39
|
€2,822,000
|
2005
|
46
|
€2,462,765 (to end of September)
|
These amounts exclude projects which, although facilitated by this Department, are financed as cross-departmental projects under the information society fund. The detailed information required by the Deputy in relation to names of companies, the details of work covered by the contract and the amounts paid is currently being compiled and will be forwarded separately when complete.