1025. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the plans the NSAI has to outsource existing audit activities to private contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60425/26]

My Department has been advised by NSAI that it uses internal staff as well as external private contractors at times, to conduct specialist audit activities. This occurs across a number of business units. Such outsourcing is needed, at times, to fulfil demand or access additional specialist technical expertise.