Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Eight cases that came within the terms of the guidelines have been processed so far. In September 2008 I agreed to the appointment by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources of a consultant to conduct a facilitation exercise with regard to a consultation paper on next-generation broadband. In 2007 one case was noted by my predecessor following consideration by the Secretary General to the Government; it consisted of an invitation to tender for consultancy work at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to scope out a project which would 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 at the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism; my predecessor approved one of these in 2005 following appropriate prior consideration by the Secretary General to the Government, and upon the resignation of the original post holder, my predecessor approved the appointment of a successor to the post in 2006.

The four 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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