Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 369: To ask the Minister for Health the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department including payments from Ministerial allowances; the details of any consultants employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22812/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my Department and will be forwarded to him as soon as it is available.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 370: To ask the Minister for Health the total amount spent since February 2011 on external marketing consultants, including payments from Ministerial allowances, including payments by all Ministers in his Department; the details of the consultants employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22830/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As you will be aware, Ministers qualify for Secretarial Allowances from the Oireachtas. The Vouched Allowance Option allows a Minister to claim fully vouched expenses of up to €41,092 (2012 level) for a range of services including PR. In 2011, I obtained communications advice related to the health reform agenda from the Communications Clinic. My Department does not pay for this service and the cost (€15k in 2011) was met out of the allowance I refer to above.

Information in respect of 2012 is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.