Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Transport the cost to his or other Departments of the launch of Transport 21 including reports, consultancies, public relations work and the actual launch on 1 November 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33321/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21 is based on the work carried out by my Department and the agencies under the aegis of the Department. The work within the Department was carried out by a small team of officials, guided by and reporting to the Minister and management board.

The Department did not engage any consultants to specifically assist or advise it in developing Transport 21. However, it did benefit from the advice of Goodbody Economic Consultants, who were engaged before work on the investment framework commenced to review the business cases submitted by Iarnród Éireann in support of various projects, including its greater Dublin integrated rail network proposals, much of which are included in Transport 21.

No public relations company was used for the launch of Transport 21. There were no costs for the use of Dublin Castle. Costs were incurred for catering at Dublin Castle, producing backdrops, graphics, associated printing and producing a video. The required public procurement procedures were complied with in accordance with Government procurement guidelines.

A company called Webmaster.ie produced the video, which cost €18,750 plus VAT. Details of the other costs incurred will be made available to the Deputy when invoices have been received and payments finalised.