Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 589: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by her Department in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers of consultants engaged by her Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by her Department in these years and for the future. [25541/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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My Department was formally established on 2nd June, 2011. From 2nd June to December 2011 the sum of €264,486.52 was spent on external support and consultancy by my Department. My Department has a particular remit in relation to children's participation and research. Many of the projects undertaken relate to these important initiatives.

I am particularly conscious of the need for savings and efficiencies in administrative costs for my Department and the engagement of external support is only considered in instances where specific projects cannot be delivered within the Department.