Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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284. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total amount spent on external IT consultants by his Department in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the estimated spending in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54443/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Records indicate that the amount spent by my Department on externally delivered software supports, systems development, website supports, helpdesk supports and other IT consultancy in each of the years is as follows:

It is expected that the 2014 amount will be similar to that in 2013, although there may be some increase as systems are developed to facilitate changed business processes as a result of institutional change and mergers, including in respect of the integration of Forfas into the Department.

The reduction in spend over the period has come about through support cost management processes including retendering, through retiring some older technologies and because my Department has been able to in-source certain support works where particular skills became available in house.