Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On the engagement of consultancy services, as I have indicated, we have significantly reduced consultancy services in recent times. The reduction is considerably more than 8% and may be more than 50%. Some time ago, I answered a question on that specific point to that effect.

On the Deputy's specific question on professional fees, the reduction will include professional fees incurred in the following categories: services of a medical, dental, pharmaceutical, optical, aural or veterinary nature; services of an architectural, engineering, quantity surveying or surveying nature; services in accountancy, auditing or finance; services of financial, economic, marketing, advertising or other consultancies; services of a solicitor or barrister or other legal services; geological services; and training services provided on behalf of Foras Áiseanna Saothair. Those are the general areas to which the 8% across-the-board reduction in professional fees applies. I do not have specific details on how the reduction applies to my Department but I will try to obtain them if the Deputy wishes.

In terms of the application of the reduction in professional fees, I understand it will apply to all areas in which the State is being provided with professional services.

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