Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 213: To ask the Taoiseach 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. [30152/05]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The procurement of consultancy services in my Department is subject to public procurement guidelines from the Department of Finance as set out in the document, Guidelines for engagement of Consultants in the Civil Service — 1999. Procurement of outside expertise in the public relations field is also subject to public procurement guidelines as set out in the 2004 Department of Finance publication, Public Procurement Guidelines — Competitive Process, which replaced the previous Department of Finance guidance entitled, Public Procurement — 1994 Edition (Green Book).

In addition, the procurement of these services is also subject to applicable EU procurement rules and guidelines. Furthermore, since early this year additional guidelines agreed by Government, specifically for public relations and communication type consultancies, are now incorporated into the Cabinet Handbook. I am satisfied that these guidelines are followed in my Department and are fully reflected in the Department's internal procedures, including the training provided to relevant staff.

More recently a number of new measures were announced which will contribute to improving the management and value for money aspects of consultancies projects. Approval of expenditure on consultancy projects is handled at the appropriate level within my Department, depending on the scale and nature of each and I am kept informed as appropriate. With my colleagues, I consider the provision made for consultancy services in my Department's Vote is necessary and appropriate for the effective discharge of its functions.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Taoiseach 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 in 2005. [30167/05]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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There have been no cases of reports, consultancies or cases from external commissions in this period where the issue of poor value for money has been highlighted in my Department.