Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the guidelines in place for the commissioning of outside expertise in the consultancy and public relations fields; and if ministerial approval is required for approval of expenditure on such commissions. [30159/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department engages consultants to provide expertise across a range of its activities. Broadly, expertise is sought under three main headings: support with a number of strategic multi-annual programmes aimed at enhancing the delivery of the Department's services, for example, the service delivery modernisation programme; technical consultancies relating to the ongoing development of information technology systems; and consultancy assistance in other areas, including policy development, advertising and information.

My Department, in engaging consultants, adheres to the Department of Finance and EU guidelines, which are published on the Department of Finance website. All projects which require consultancy support are approved and monitored on a monthly basis by a projects governance committee comprised of senior managers in my Department.

Operational guidelines for the management of consultancy projects include standard templates for requests for tender and for consultancy contracts. These templates have been validated by the Office of the Attorney General. Operational guidelines are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure best practice in the procurement and management of consultancy services. In accordance with best practice in procurement and in line with the recommendations of the Quigley report, ministerial approval is not sought for the expenditure on consultancy expertise.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 387: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage of reports, consultancies and cases from external commissions where the issue of poor value for money was highlighted, in his Department, from 1998 to date. [30174/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Department's activities require the engagement of a range of consultancy expertise. Broadly, expertise is sought under three main headings: support with a number of strategic multi-annual programmes aimed at enhancing the delivery of the Department's services, for example, the service delivery modernisation programme; technical consultancies relating to the ongoing development of information technology systems; consultancy assistance in other areas, including policy development, advertising and information.

Prior to the engagement of consultants, a rigid procurement process is undertaken in accordance with public sector procurement guidelines and best practice. The achievement of value for money is the central criterion throughout the process. Once a preferred bidder has been identified, my Department agrees a contract, setting out the scope of the services to be provided by the consultants and the deliverables to be achieved. Contracts are drawn up on the basis of ensuring the Department achieves value for money. In line with such contracts, payments are made in respect of the services and deliverables achieved and provided they meet the requirements of the contract expectations of my Department in all respects.