Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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60. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent in each year for the past five years on accountancy and consultancy firms in relation to capital projects; the specific capital project in which the costs were incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2263/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available internally, particularly for capital projects where independent project evaluation advice is required for key decisions. During the course of their engagements, these consultants/experts may prepare reports and other documentation for the Department. This work contributes to a more effective and targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.

These services are procured by open competitive tender in accordance with EU and national rules and comply with the overall value for money objective of the Department.

Separately, a small number of consultancies are occasionally engaged directly by our Missions abroad.

The following table set out the details of the amount spent in each year for the past five years on accountancy and consultancy firms in relation to capital projects and the specific capital project in which the costs were incurred