Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
115. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the consultancy services, value for money and policy review expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22173/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation).
The Department seeks to minimise expenditure on consultants and commissions external expertise only in areas where highly specialised skills are not available internally. In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed, and continues to inform the Department’s policies, allowing for a more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets. These services are procured by open competitive tendering processes in accordance with EU and national rules and comply with the overall value for money objective of the Department.
Internal reports and reviews are undertaken on an ongoing basis and cover a wide range of topics and issues as required by the work of the Department.
The consultancy services, value for money and policy review expenses incurred by my Department in the year ending 31 December 2017 were €307,773.
