As advised to the House in response to Dáil Question No. 202 of 10th March, I am advised that no expenditure was incurred on external consultancy from my Department's Administrative Budget during the period from its establishment in June 2020 to date.
From time to time, my Department commissions experts to provide technical reports or advice on specific issues. While the providers of these services may describe themselves as consultants, their work is not classified as consultancy services and is not funded from my Department's Administrative Budget.
Details of expenditure for 2020 is available in the published Appropriation Accounts in respect of Vote 33 and can be viewed at www.audit.gov.ie.