322 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount he has spent on hiring or use of outside consultants in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; if he is satisfied that this practice represents good value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9209/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular format below.

This Department observes the Department of Finance Guidelines for Engagement of Consultants in the Civil Service. Consultants are only employed by the Department in circumstances where specialised knowledge or expertise, which is not available in the Department or elsewhere in the public service, is required for a temporary period or where a specialist study/project must be completed within a very short time scale. In that context, I am satisfied that the consultants engaged represents good value for money.

All rates quoted are inclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated.