asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she has made recent consultant appointments to her Department; if so, who they are and the amount of moneys which have been allocated for the payments of these consultants; and what their specific areas of consultancy will be.

The most recent consultancy appointment in my Department was made in January 1986 when Digital Equipment Ireland Limited was appointed to provide specialised technical support to maintain my Department's computer systems. The cost of this support during 1986 will be in the region of £70,000.

I should like the Minister to elaborate on her statement made in the course of the debate on the Social Welfare Estimate last week that she was considering employing consultants or advisers in regard to irregularities concerning some payments which were not legitimately due.

A number of consultancy firms have been invited to submit proposals for a security review of my Department's claim and payments procedures and controls. If after evaluation a suitable proposal is accepted, then an appointment will be made. I expect that appointment to be made quite soon. A second project, which is connected with the computerisation of the free scheme section of the Department, has reached the stage where the sanction of the Department of the Public Service to the placing of a contract has been sought.

Has the Minister appointed foreign consultants to advise her Department on whether fraud is taking place on a large scale or not?

I can assure the Deputy that the firms concerned have Irish officers but can call on overseas expertise to ensure the success of the project. All the normal procedures for the placing of Government contracts will apply.

Will Irish people or foreigners be involved?

I do not have anything further to add.