Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach indicated the reduction in outgoings on private consultancies would be greater than 8%. Is he aware of or can he confirm reports last November indicating that, collectively, Departments, including his own, were expending in the order of €1.7 million per week on private consultancy engagements, in other words, the figure for the year was in the order of €90 million?

Cé mhéad airgead a chaithfidh Roinn an Taoisigh ar seirbhísí comhairleachta — consultancy services — i 2009? Cé mhéad airgead a chaithfidh an Rialtas go ginearálta ar na seirbhísí sin i mbliana? An bhfuil figiúr ag an Taoiseach le haghaidh 2008 chun comparáid a dhéanamh idir an méid a chaitheadh an bhliain seo caite agus an méid atá geallta ag Roinn an Taoisigh agus ag gach Roinn eile do 2009?

See this speech in context