Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29557/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs has paid the following amounts to the Gartner Group: 1997 — €0.00; 1998 — £702.17; 1999 — €0.00; 2000 — €0.00; 2001 — €0.00; 2002 — €5,082.00; 2003 — €10,164.00; 2004 — €17,581.30; 2005 — €14,278.00.

The Department has taken a subscription to Gartner Research's on-line technology research database, which includes the periodic supply by CD of technology articles of interest to the Department and, in 1998, attendance at a Gartner organised seminar on the year 2000 bug. The service is equivalent to other subscription based research services. The Department has not used Gartner for the direct provision of consultancy advice.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has used the Gartner database to obtain impartial research articles on technology developments. This research has helped inform the Department when making significant technology investment decisions. I am satisfied that this service has offered value for money to the Department. I can confirm that the national rules on procurement have been followed.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29572/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In the period referred to by the Deputy, no payments were made by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the relevant consultancy company.