Consultancy Contracts Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2015

Thursday, 14 May 2015

Ceisteanna (236)

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

236. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure on consultancy by the National Roads Authority in 2012, 2013 and 2014; the number of consultants engaged by the authority in the years 2011 to 2014; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps that have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by the authority in these years and for the future. [18983/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and  funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question regarding expenditure on consultancy in the period 2011-2014 to the NRA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

The Roads Act 2015 provides for the merger of the NRA and RPA later this year.  The merger is consistent with Government plans for public sector reform and in particular, its programme for rationalisation of state agencies. The merger will also facilitate the sharing of professional expertise and is expected to lead to a reduction in reliance on external consultants.