I propose to take Questions Nos. 783 and 820 together.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government paid the company concerned €5,929 in 2002, €16,284.58 in 2003, €8,939.87 in 2004 and €10,285 in 2005. The company provides a database of research material relating to information and communications technology and business. The contract with Gartner allows staff to access and download independent advice on various topics including information technology, e-Government, project management and business and ICT strategies. The information is used to develop strategies, prepare tenders, select technologies and solve ICT problems. It also allows ICT staff in the Department to keep abreast of the latest advances in ICT. It is considered to have provided value for money to date. The fixed-price one-year contract is reviewed at renewal time each year.