Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his proposals to reduce costs incurred in respect of engaging external consultants across Government Departments and State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51632/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, as part of the Comprehensive Expenditure Report 2012-2014 , published by my Department on 5 December 2011, I set out expenditure ceilings for all Departments. These ceilings act as an upper limit on expenditure and ensure Departments seek to maximise efficiency gains in all areas. In order to facilitate Departments in driving these efficiency gains, and to ensure better value for money and maintain service levels where possible, the Government have agreed the following reforms to the public procurement function:

i. integrating procurement policy, strategy and operations in one office through the establishment of a National Procurement Office (under the aegis of my Department) which will be headed by a Chief Procurement Officer;

ii. strengthening spend analytics and data management;

iii. examining the specifications set out for goods and services;

iv. evaluating demand levels to assess how demand (volume) can be reduced; and,

v. strengthening vendor and category management.

I would also remind the Deputy that, in addition to the downward pressure on overall expenditure exerted by the Departmental ceilings, fees on professional services engaged by Departments have been subject to a minimum 8% reduction since 2009.