425. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will outline and itemise all expenditure undertaken by his Department on private travel for him and-or for his private office, on legal fees, consultancy fees and hotel accommodation during the 12-month period to 30 June 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30065/15]

I can advise the Deputy that Private Office staff encompasses my Private Secretary, Special Advisers, Personal Assistant, Personal Secretary and Civilian Drivers. Expenditure on travel and hotel accommodation is in respect of official business, and is broken down as follows:

Expenditure on Flights – For 12 Month Period Ending 30 June 2015

Expenditure on Hotel Accommodation - For 12 Month Period Ending 30 June 2015

In relation to legal fees, my Department paid the following fees during the twelve month period to 30 June 2015.

It is the policy of my Department to minimise legal fees to the greatest extent possible and to engage external law firms only as the need arises and where the required professional expertise is not available in-house or through another State body.

In relation to consultancy services engaged by my Department during the twelve month period to 30 June 2015, expenditure is as follows:

All contracts entered into by my Department must conform to the relevant laws and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on Public Procurement. It is the policy of my Department to minimise to the greatest extent possible the use of external consultancy and to ensure that where it is necessary to engage an external consultant, my Department achieves maximum value for money. In order to deliver key commitments in relation to children and young people and to put in place a unified framework of policy, legislation and provision across Government in respect of children and young people, it is at times necessary to commission reports and utilise expertise from a range of expert individuals and bodies.