Consultancy is defined by the Department of Finance as where a person or organisation provides intellectual or knowledge-based services (e.g. expert analysis and advice) through delivering reports, studies, assessments, recommendations, proposals, etc., that contribute to decision making or policy development.
The procurement of consultancy services is essential to support my Department in providing high quality service to the public in a cost effective and efficient manner. All expenditure is closely monitored, and companies are only engaged for essential work, following a rigorous assessment of need and where the required competencies do not exist in-house.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to expenditure on consultancy and the purpose of such spending is published on the Gov.ie website at [gov.ie - Department of Social Protection Policy on Procurement (www.gov.ie)].
Note: Payments are inclusive of VAT where appropriate.
Details from aegis of the Department are set out below.
Pensions Council
The Pensions Council’s sole function is to advise the Minister for Social Protection on pensions related matters. Expenditure incurred by the Pensions Council for consultancy is included in figures published by my Department.
Pensions Authority
|
Year
|
Number of Contracts
|
Largest Individual Consultancy Engagement by Value
|
Annual Spend
|
|
2025
|
8
|
Eversheds Sutherland
|
€264,512
|
|
2024
|
11
|
A&L Goodbody
|
€407,660
|
|
2023
|
13
|
A&L Goodbody
|
€460,618
|
Citizens Information Board (CIB)
|
Year
|
Number of Contracts
|
Largest Individual Consultancy Engagement by Value
|
Annual Spend
|
|
2025
|
13
|
The 4OC Limited
|
€501,735
|
|
2024
|
13
|
Indecon
|
€376,944
|
|
2023
|
8
|
Innovative Procurement Solutions
|
€93,272
|
Nil reply from National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA).
Nil reply from Social Welfare Tribunal.
