500. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total amount spent on external IT consultants by his Department in 2010 to 2013, inclusive, and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29153/14]

502. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has renegotiated external IT consultancy contracts and costs since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29172/14]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 500 and 502 together.

A range of contracts are in place for the provision of ICT services including training, software and storage provision. While not considered as consultancy, my Department has engaged an external company for the provision of training and continuing professional development of its ICT unit. Expenditure incurred in the years 2010 to 2013 was € 45,133, €80,586, €84,378, and €57,934.56, respectively. Expenditure of €19,000 is estimated for 2014. A review of Disaster Recovery capabilities was commissioned in 2012 which, incurred costs of €9,362. Neither contract was renegotiated since March 2011.