Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the name and number of external reports that were commissioned by his Department from 2008 to 2011 in tabular form; the cost of each one of these external reports; if these external reports were given out to tender; the name of the person or company who was commissioned for these external reports; his views of the benefits that these external reports served the public interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21414/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation). The following tables set out, for both Votes, the details of external reports commissioned by the Department from 2008 to 2011 and the costs in each case. The tables have been prepared by reference to directly contracted engagements in respect of which professional fees were paid and Professional Services Withholding Tax (PSWT) was deducted, where appropriate. e Department is very conscious of the need the achieve value for money and is in full compliance with national and EU procurement regulations concerning tendering requirements.

The Department, through Irish Aid (Ireland's official development assistance programme), occasionally commissions outside expertise where the effective management and evaluation of the programme necessitates the use of such skills. During the course of their engagements these consultants/experts may prepare reports and other documentation. However, as they would not have been commissioned specifically to furnish a report, these details have not been included in the table.

The Department commissions external reports only where specialised knowledge is not available within the Department and, particularly in the case of Irish Aid, where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed - and continues to inform - my Department's policies, allowing for more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets. I consider that these reports have been necessary, strategically beneficial and cost-effective.

External Reports commissioned under Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs)

External Reports commissioned under Vote 29 (International Cooperation)