A MINISTER of State defended the use of public relations consultants at a cost of £83,600 for the Delivering Better Government programme.
Ms Avril Doyle, Minister of State to the Taoiseach, said Drury Communications Ltd was appointed last February to assist in developing and implementing the overall communications strategy for the Strategic Management Initiative (SMI). The appointment was the result of a competitive tendering process. Eight public relations companies were evaluated. The coordinating group of Government secretaries concluded that Drurys offered the best range of skills for the project at the most appropriate price.
The cost of £83,600 over a 12 month period, plus VAT, was approved by the Government Contracts Committee.
One of the central objectives of the Delivering Better Government programme was to provide the public with "an excellent service". Changes would have to be made in the overall approach of the Civil Service to the management of performance and to processes and procedures. Expertise in this complex area was required.
Tenders would be sought soon from consultancy firms to assist with the essential element of the SMI and to develop the best practice.
Ms Mary Harney, leader of the Progressive Democrats, who raised the matter at Question Time, said the Government had spent £15 million so far on consultants, as well as £10 million on programme managers, and it had appointed extra Ministers of State since it took office. "If we are to have more efficient Government we need fewer consultants, programme managers and advisers.