Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 710: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funds spent by his Department since June 1997 on consultants, legal experts and external advice; the number of reports produced under such contracts and the number implemented to date by his Department; the cost of such advice in 2005 and the planned expenditure for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1533/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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According to my Department's records, a total of €2.9 million has been spent on consultancies and external advice since the formation of my Department in June 2002 to the end of 2005. In the time available it has not been possible to compile information on actual spending in 2005. However, it is estimated to be in the region of €300,000. A total of €469,000 has been set aside for consultancy expenditure in 2006.

All legal services secured since the formation of my Department in June 2002 have been provided by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor or the Attorney General, with the exception of four instances where legal advice was provided by commercial companies at a combined cost of €34,420.

A total of 40 reports were produced arising from consultancies, 28 of which have been fully implemented to date.