Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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1302. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount spent on external consultants by her Department in 2019; the average hourly rate; if caps or limits on such spending are in place; the way in which conflicts of interest are managed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7280/20]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department engages consultancy service providers (individuals or organisations) to provide analysis that contributes to policy development.  The procurement of such services supports my Department in providing a high quality service to the public in a cost-effective manner and is governed by a comprehensive regulatory framework.

Details of all contracts awarded over €25k by the Department are published each quarter on gov.ie.  In addition, details are also published on etenders and on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) in accordance with procurement guidelines and legislation.  Expenditure is closely monitored to ensure value for money.  Requests for Tender (RfTs) and  contracts drawn up are  in accordance with the Office of Government Procurement best practice. RfTs and draft contracts contain provisions to deal with conflict of interest, remedies for delays or breach of contract. 

Some consultancy contracts comprise once-off fees while others are paid by daily rate. Therefore, I am advised that it is not possible to break down expenditure by the hour. Details of the amount spent on external consultants by my Department for the period in question (2019) is set out in tabular format as follows.