asked the Minister for Defence the reason he proposes to increase the amount spent by his Office on consultancy services by 233 per cent in 1988; if he will give details of these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): The increase in the provision in the Defence Estimate for 1988 for consultancy services over the amount provided for in the Vote for 1987 is £35,000, i.e. from £15,000 to £50,000. This provision is necessary for the anticipated employment of consultants in 1988 in connection with developments in the area of computerisation in my Department and the Defence Forces.

What will the computerisation cover? Will it be used purely for administrative work or will certain aspects of military work be involved? Is it the intention to use an outside consultancy firm and what steps will the Minister take to ensure that it is a completely Irish-based firm?

(Limerick West): The consultants will be outside and every precaution will be taken to ensure that they are Irish based. The Defence Forces are dispersed throughout the State and data communications needs must be clearly identified. The Department are due to transfer certain sections to Galway as part of the Government's decentralisation programme. This was not included in the Department's draft plan and must be addressed. Similar studies have been done in most other Departments. The consultants will have to be employed in order to streamline.

Do I take it that aspects of this consultancy work will concern military matters?

(Limerick West): Yes.

I should like an assurance that the consultants in such case will be completely Irish. We are a neutral nation and it would not be appropriate for people from outside the State to advise about purely military matters.

Or learn our secrets.

If we have any.

(Limerick West): The points raised by Deputies will be carefully considered.

Is there an option of using the Government's own consultancy service attached to the Department of the Public Service, which is excellent in many respects?

(Limerick West): That option is available and will be considered.

In that case the Minister might not be going ahead with the placing of a contract with an outside consultancy.

(Limerick West): The suggestion by the Deputy can be considered.

Is the Minister satisfied that there are consultants available here to advise on military matters?

(Limerick West): That seems to be a separate question. I would not be in a position to answer it without formal notice.