556. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health if he will outline and itemise all expenditure undertaken by his Department on private travel for his 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. [30072/15]

The Department undertook no expenditure on private travel for me or staff in my private office. Expenditure undertaken by the Department on hotel accommodation for me or staff in my private office in respect of official business is set out in the following table. I will revert to the Deputy with additional information for the months of April May and June. The information requested by the Deputy regarding legal fees is being compiled and I will reply directly to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Department's total expenditure in the A7 subhead consultancy for 2014 is as per the following table. It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy on the matter. Information for the period from January 2015 to 30 June 2015 is being compiled and I will reply directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.