Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 447: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29451/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The company referred to by the Deputy has not been employed to provide direct consultancy services to my Department in the period. My Department subscribes annually to the service provided by the company in terms of analysis and research information on ICT strategic business and technology trends and best practice. In addition to these research data targeted to suit my Department's specific ICT business needs, the service also provides monthly chief information officer executive reports and access to the executive programme network for private and public sector chief information officers. The subscriptions paid are at the standard rate for the company's services, discounted for Government subscribers.

The subscription was €13,225 in 2003; €31,439 in 2004; €34,989 in 2005; the increase over 2003 represents an upgrade to the premium service from 2004. The subscription represents value for money as a quality and topical source of strategic trends and analysis in global business and technology. The subscription will continue to be kept under review to ensure that it represents ongoing value for money for my Department's information systems division and senior management.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 448: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29466/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The company referred to by the Deputy was paid €26,886 in March 2000 in respect of its undertaking the 1998-99 audit of the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund for my Department. The company was selected for this work following normal Government tendering procedures and approval by the Government contracts committee and I am satisfied that value for money was obtained in this case.