Mr. Noel Waters:

I have no sense there was any loss to the State by what we did. The arrangements we entered into are allowed for and we were fully compliant in ensuring we were transparent about it. They related to a number of different areas involving specialist knowledge, urgency or security considerations. An example that is very much in the news is the commission for the location of victims' remains. There was quite a significant amount spent in respect of it. It is very specialised work, which involves people seeking a particular type of equipment or travelling abroad. It would not be readily available on the open market. The amount for the year was almost €700,000.