Written Answers. - Cross-Border Agencies.Wednesday, 2 July 2003 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
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213.
Mr. O'Dowd
asked the
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources
if he will provide a breakdown of the total amounts allocated to any cross-Border agencies under the aegis of his Department since their inception; the precise details relating to consultancy services that were employed by these agencies since their inception; the manner in which consultants were appointed, including details of tendering systems employed; the manner in which successful consultants were advised of their appointment; the full amounts paid, or payable to date, on consultancy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[19085/03]
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern):
The Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission was established in 1999. Under the British-Irish Agreement it inherited the responsibilities of the Foyle Fisheries Commission. The following tabular statement provides a breakdown of the overall Exchequer budget allocation for the Loughs Agency as published in the annual Revised Estimates Volume.
| Year | Allocation |
|---|---|
| 2000 | €2.538m. |
| 2001 | €1.524m. |
| 2002 | €1.518m. |
| 2003 | €2.735m. |
In accordance with the British-Irish Agreement Acts 1999 to 2002, the Loughs Agency must comply with the provisions of a financial memorandum drawn up for the body by my Department, the Department of Finance, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland. The memorandum prescribes the detailed financial arrangements with which the body must comply, including those on the procurement of consultancy services for which the chief executive officer of the body is accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly or the United Kingdom Parliament, as appropriate.
The Loughs Agency has full delegated authority to appoint consultants subject to the requirements laid down in public procurement guidelines issued by the Department of Finance and the Northern Ireland Procurement Service.
Appointment of consultants is subject to prior notification to the Departments of the nature of [843]the consultancy and the applicable terms of reference. Where the cost is likely to exceed €40,000 the prior approval of Departments is required [844]before tenders are sought or the terms of reference are finalised.
The following is the information sought by the Deputy.
*Sterling amount paid by the Loughs Agency
| Last Updated: 10/09/2010 10:51:22 |
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