Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 789: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the potential savings to the Exchequer by reducing professional fees paid by the State by 25%. [24510/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The issue of cuts in professional fees is, in the first instance, a matter for consideration centrally by the Department of Finance or by Government in the context of the annual budgetary process.

The Department's Vote contains a number of dedicated budget lines for the payment of professional fees for services rendered. The total Vote provision in 2011 amounts to €34 million, most of which relates to fixed fees payable to temporary veterinary inspectors involved the public health and animal health areas. The Vote also provides for the cost of legal services that may be required by the Department. The level of professional fees incurred under this heading varies from year to year and is dependent on a variety of factors. In addition, the Department may engage, as required, other professional services such as IT specialists. Engagements in these areas are subject to public procurement procedures and to signed contracts which are designed to ensure best value for money and that fees reflect prevailing market prices.

In order to provide the Government with a comprehensive set of decision options to meet the funding constraints in the National Recovery Plan, 2012-2014, the Department has carried out a comprehensive review of both current and capital expenditure. This Review which covers all areas of the Department's activities will be considered as part of the overall pre-budget deliberations and the 2012 Estimates process of the Government.