Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Minister on the out-turn for rural development expenditure. It is a very important development for rural Ireland which has been struggling in recent years. This expenditure will be an important stimulus which it is hoped will be beneficial for both rural and urban Ireland.

Deputy Heydon referred to the figure for consultancy costs. A once-off figure of €1.3 million is set aside for expenses related to the EU Presidency last year. Were consultancy services required to assist with the Irish Presidency role?