Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
168. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37623/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation). The following table sets out the details of external reports commissioned under Vote 27 since February 2011 and the costs in each case. No external reports were commissioned under Vote 28. The table has been prepared by reference to directly contracted engagements in respect of which professional fees were paid and Professional Services Withholding Tax (PSWT) was deducted, where appropriate. The Department is very conscious of the need to achieve value for money and is in full compliance with national and EU procurement regulations concerning tendering requirements.
The Department commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and, particularly in the case of Irish Aid, where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagements these consultants/experts may prepare reports and other documentation. In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed - and continues to inform - my Department’s policies, allowing for more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets. I consider that these reports have been necessary, strategically beneficial and cost-effective.
External Reports commissioned under Vote 27 (International Cooperation)
|
Year |
Experts/Consultants |
Matter Reported On |
Cost (€) |
|
2011 |
Kevin Moore |
Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment |
€13,581 |
|
2011 |
Paul Sheane |
Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment |
€9,965 |
|
2011 |
Stefanie Meredith |
Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries. |
€10,100 |
|
2011 |
Samia Saad |
Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries. |
€9,198 |
|
2011 |
Paud Murphy |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
€9,064 |
|
2011 |
80:20 |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
€9,870 |
|
2011 |
Eilis Murray |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
€6,068 |
|
2011 |
ISOS |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
€42,247 |
|
2011 |
Bernard McLoughlin |
Review of the Irish Aid Centre, Dublin |
€6,143 |
|
2011 |
Cathal Higgins |
Preparation of a report on the programme of education sector budget support towards school infrastructural development in Karamoja region and skills development in the oil sector (Uganda) |
€5,000 |
|
2011 |
Nata Duvvury, NUI Galway |
First draft of Ireland’s National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 |
€16,106 |
|
2011 |
Rodney Rice |
Scoping Irish Aid existing and potential for support for media development to improve governance and transparency in key African countries. |
€18,756 |
|
2012 |
Humanitarian Policy Ltd |
Review of Security Policy & Practice among Irish Aid Humanitarian Partners |
€33,930 |
|
2012 |
Channel Research |
Review of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Initiative |
€2,033 |
|
2012 |
Mike Williams |
Review of Humanitarian Programme Plan for Irish Aid |
€18,742 |
|
2012 |
Cathy Roche |
Review of the Our World Awards 2005-2011 |
€6,300 |
|
2012 |
Everywhere Consulting |
Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Humanitarian Hub at Shannon Airport |
€40,584 |
