Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I will provide the information I have here. The guidelines put in place a procedure that must be followed when a proposed consultancy or a contract for services comprise a significant element of direct service to the Minister or Minister of State, particularly in the PR or communications area, specifically providing advice or briefings, or where the Minister or Minister of State has provided the name of a person or enterprise that might be suitable. In such circumstances, the guidelines state that the Secretary General in the Department must notify the Secretary General to the Government. Having inquired about any aspects considered to be relevant, the Secretary General to the Government then makes a recommendation to the Taoiseach on whether special conditions should be observed in the procurement process.

Regarding the number of cases referred to the Government secretariat under the procedures, seven cases within the terms of the guideline have been processed so far. In September 2008, I agreed to the appointment to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources of a consultant 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 regarding 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. Subsequently, the candidate concerned was not successful in the tender competition.

Two cases related to the appointment of an arts adviser at the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. My predecessor approved one of these appointments in 2005 following appropriate 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 did not require consideration or approval. These related to the appointment of IT, PR and communications consultants.

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