Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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27. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his policy regarding public expenditure on, or his plans to further regulate Government-funded use of, private consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38185/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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All public bodies are already required under guidelines for the engagement of consultants to ensure that:

- a firm business case is properly established prior to the engagement process;

- consultancy services are acquired in the most economical manner in accordance withnational and EU rules on procurement, specifically that consultants are appointed in an open, competitive and non-discriminatory manner that delivers best value for money;

- consultancies are managed effectively once engaged; and

- the output and impact of consultancies are adequately assessed.

The policy, therefore, on expenditure on consultancy services is quite firm: it must result in value for money for the public.