Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Caitheadh €275,000 ar seirbhísí comhairleachta an bhliain seo caite. Tá an figiúr níos ísle — €118,000 — i mbliana de bharr cinneadh an Rialtais. The figure is, therefore, €118,000 rather than €275,000. Tá laghdú de 57% i gceist ón Meastachán a fhoilsíodh i 2008.

A small number of possible consultancy requirements for 2009 have been identified to date. I am satisfied procedures are in place which will ensure expenditure undertaken on consultancy is necessary and relevant guidelines are being followed. Every effort is made by my Department to minimise expenditure on consultancy services. However, where it is necessary to engage consultants to avail of their particular expertise or experience, the procurement of consultancy services is subject to public procurement guidelines and, where applicable, EU procurement rules and guidelines, with selection criteria geared to select the most economically advantageous tender.

It is also our policy that skills transfer from consultants to departmental staff takes place as an integral part of all consultancy engagements. The purpose of this is to increase the knowledge and expertise of departmental staff and reduce and, if possible, eliminate future dependence on consultants in the areas concerned.

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