Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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226. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of external consultant's reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the cost of same; the company involved; the title and publication date of the report in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13562/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available internally and in particular where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagement these consultants and experts may prepare reports and other documentation for the Department.

In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed, and continues to inform, the Department’s policies, allowing for a more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.

These services are procured by open competitive tendering processes in accordance with EU and national rules and comply with the overall value for money objectives.

A small number of consultancies are engaged directly by our Missions abroad from time to time and in some instances they prepare technical reports relating to Ireland’s overseas development aid programme.

The following reports were commissioned by my Department from 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022: 

*Reports published for internal use. Certain reports commissioned by the Department are for internal management usage and not for publication. However, many Departmental reports are published on www.irishaid.ie and www.dfa.ie.

**The consultancy was also involved in compilation and QA of DAC returns on gender and climate. Specific cost breakdown for the report not available.