Departmental Reports

Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Ceisteanna (163)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

163. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a list of all studies, research and reports commissioned by his Department that were outsourced, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; the names of the companies to which each study, research and report was outsourced; the total cost for each; the number of reports finalised and presented to him that have yet to be released by his Department; the dates on which any such reports yet to be released were first provided to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55162/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Harris)

My Department 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.

I refer the Deputy to parliamentary question 30 of September 20 2023, where reports received by the Department from June 2020 to September 2023 were outlined.

www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2023-09-20/30/?highlight%5B0%5D=40371

The following reports were finalised and received by my Department from September 2023 to present:

Studies, research and reports commissioned Dep For Aff