Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 November 2005
190 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if his internal auditors are satisfied with the procurement process used in the purchase of a consultancy service; if the process used conforms with the Department of Finance guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33409/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe firm concerned has not been engaged by my Department.
191 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if value for money has been achieved by his Department in its purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33418/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe consultancy service concerned has not been engaged by my Department.
192 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if any of his officials have attended as VIP guests at a conference organised by a company (details supplied); the locations, dates and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33427/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo officials from my Department have attended as VIP guests at this conference.
193 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach his knowledge of a consultancy service (details supplied); the number of officials of his Department who are members of this particular programme; the basis on which the decision was taken to subscribe at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33436/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not subscribe to this programme.
194 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the number of competing companies that were considered in his Department’s assessment before a company (details supplied) was granted a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33445/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe company in question has not been granted any programme by my Department. However, we do have a research service agreement with the company. The company publishes independent research and provides one to one customer advice, on all aspects of ICT using in excess of 1,000 analysts and consultants who advise executives worldwide. Subscription to this service gives the Department access to a large volume of research information, which is critical in assisting decision making in such a small IT unit.
At the time of our subscription in 2004, there was no other suitable company in a position to provide us with this vast range of independent research material and one-to-one customer advice. I am satisfied that value for money is still being achieved in this case.
