Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
808. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport to detail the annual spend on external consultants by his Department and its agencies in each of the past three years; the number of consultancy contracts, the largest individual consultancy engagements by value, and whether internal capacity-building or cost-benefit assessments were undertaken prior to engaging external consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2456/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department regularly reviews its resourcing requirements and will, where appropriate, build additional capacity into its structure, such as expanding its strategic research capabilities and its ICT project management through dedicated divisions and appointing specialist staff, to ensure that it maintains and develops appropriate in-house expertise.
Department external consultancy information for 2023:
• Spend: €4,979,189.82
• Contracts: 52
• Largest individual contract: Development of an IT Operating Model and Governance Model - €1,248,280.97
Department external consultancy information for 2024
• Spend: €2,405,755
• Contracts: 40
• Largest individual contract: Project management support (Via TII Task Order) - €533,198.85
Department external consultancy information for 2025
• Spend: €1,018,610
• Contract: 25
• Largest individual contract: Provision of Services to revise the Transport Climate Change Adaptation Plan - €285,000 (Over 2 years, 2024/25 and paid in 2025)
The above are, in some cases, indicative costs as each contract is subject to different terms depending on supplier, their location and other payment adjustments, such as Professional Services Withholding Tax and variable application of VAT and other taxes by both exclusion and using varied rates.
A small number of consultancies where the Department was reimbursed its costs are not included in the value or contract count.
With regard to expenditure on external consultants by agencies, I have referred your question to the agencies under the Department's aegis to answer on behalf of their organisations. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
