Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount spent by his Department on the hiring or use of outside consultants in each year since 2000; if he is satisfied that this practice represents good value for money; his plans to review the manner in which contracts are awarded to consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30945/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department engages consultancy expertise 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.

The amounts paid by the Department on the engagement of consultants in each year since 2000 is are follows:

These amounts exclude consultancy supports provided for the Reach and the civil registration modernisation programme. These programmes, which were facilitated by my Department, are financed as cross-departmental projects from the information society fund.

Prior to the engagement of consultants, my Department undertakes a rigid procurement process in accordance with public sector procurement guidelines and best practice and the achievement of value for money is the central criterion of 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 and the expectations of my Department in all respects.

I am satisfied that this process is fully in accordance with public sector procurement guidelines and best practice and that my Department has achieved value for money from the consultancies undertaken.