It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where is is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy including procurement protocols on the matter.
The Department held a contract with Ernst & Young for advice and reports relating to the development of the Programme Management Office within the Department. The contract was awarded in 2013 and ended in 2014. Total payments made were €118,757. For Deloitte & Touche, a contract was held to provide a report and review of the Nursing Home Support Scheme in 2013. The contract ended in 2014. Total value was €73,800. KPMG was awarded a contract in 2016 to provide advice regarding the Working Better Together organisational development initiative. The contract is now complete and total expenditure was €14,145.