Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In regard to how many cases referred to the Government Secretariat under the procedure have received the Taoiseach's approval, seven cases coming within the terms of the guidelines have been processed so far. In September of this year, I agreed to the appointment of a consultant by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to conduct a facilitation exercise in connection with the consultation paper on next generation broadband. In 2007, one case was noted by my predecessor following consideration by the Secretary General to the Government of an invitation to tender for consultancy work at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to scope out a project to lead to the establishment of an independent electoral commission. I understand the candidate concerned was not subsequently successful in the tender competition. Two cases related to the appointment of an arts adviser to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. My predecessor approved one of those appointments in 2005 following appropriate prior consideration by the Secretary General to the Government. Upon the resignation of the original post holder, my predecessor approved the appointment of a successor to the post in 2006.

The three other cases referred to the Secretary General to the Government were, on consideration by him, found not to fall within the scope of the guidelines and so did not require consideration or approval. They related to the appointment of IT, PR and communications consultants, respectively.

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