Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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On external consultancy services, the Minister made the point that it makes economic sense, where one has expensive skills or resources, to engage with non-public service supports occasionally. While I understand the economic rationale for this approach, one is also entitled to assume that anyone working on behalf of the public service will show complete independence. We must be very careful in this regard. While this may not be the appropriate forum for asking questions on this issue, is there a mechanism to ensure that anyone from outside the public service who has certain skills and is engaged in key positions is not compromised in respect of the advice provided to the Government? What safeguards are in place in this respect?