Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 479: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money paid to consultants in the years 2004 to date in 2010; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31551/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is engaged in an ongoing programme of continuous improvement involving the redesign of office systems, business processes, procedures and work practices and the introduction of new technology solutions. In order to ensure that the potential of information technology is maximised the Department procures external consultancy to assist with this work. The Department also engages consultants for work which comes within the definition of 'consultancy' set out in Department of Finance guidelines i.e. where a person or organisation provides intellectual or knowledge based services (e.g. expert analysis and advice) through delivering reports, studies, assessments, recommendations, proposals, etc. that contribute to decision making or policy making.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table and includes all private consultancy firms used by the Department during the periods 1 January 2004 to date in 2010.

It should be noted that the total expenditure on larger projects may be incurred over a period of one or more years.

I am satisfied that spending on consultancy ensures that the Department is maximising its investments in information technology and on improving its service to customers.