Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 416: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number and identity of persons, groups, bodies or agencies other than the established civil servants from whom he or Ministers of State in his Department have sought or received advice in connection with policy or administrative matters appertaining to the operation of his Department or other bodies under his aegis in the past 12 months; the extent to which such advice related to capital expenditure projects; the cost of such advice; the extent to which it has been implemented to date or if it is intended to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35964/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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In my capacity as Minister I have occasion to consult with State bodies under the aegis of the Department, with my special advisors and party colleagues on all relevant policy issues. This consultation acts a compliment to the regular policy advice received from established civil servants.

Advice received covers the full remit of my Departmental responsibilities and there are no specific costs related to the aforementioned consultations.

The same applies to Minster of State, Tony Killeen T.D. in this Department, who has met with various groups and some of the third levels institutions where research in the energy area is undertaken.