Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 658: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of contracts that were issued to consultancy firms by her Department in 2011; the number that were issued in the first quarter in 2012; the cost of each contract and to whom they were issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19177/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department has a major programme of business, organisational and technological change underway to enable it to modernise the services which it provides to customers.

The Department engages consultants for work which comes within the definition of 'consultancy' set out in Department of Finance guidelines - where a person or organisation provides intellectual or knowledge based services (e.g. expert analysis and advice) through delivering reports, studies, assessments, recommendations, proposals, etc. that contribute to decision making or policy making.

The procurement of consultancy services is essential to support the Department in providing high quality service to the public in a cost effective and efficient manner and is governed by a comprehensive regulatory, legal and procedural framework.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.

Note: Indicative contract value stated where services are provided on a drawdown basis.