Sir, – Further to “Consultants in RTÉ governance reviews paid more than €900,000″ (News, October 11th), surely there should be an immediate independent review as to why they cost so much. – Yours, etc,
WILLIE O’REILLY,
Milltown,
Dublin 6.
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Sir, – In considering the recent news of Government departments’ expenditure on external consultants, I am struck by the implication that these consultants must be so much wiser, insightful or more knowledgeable than the staff of those Government departments. Mariana Mazzucato, professor of Economics at University College London, has a different view on the value of consultants.
Before embarking on the next multimillion euro consulting assignment, may I suggest the relevant Minister spends €10.99 on her 2023 book How the Consulting Industry Weakens our Businesses, Infantilises our Governments and Warps our Economies. – Yours, etc,
PETER STEWART
Dun Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – The recent revelation that Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman has spent €7.6 million of taxpayers’ money on Deloitte consultants since 2022 (News, October 10th) surely calls into question the nature of the services provided, given the incredible sums expended by his department in accommodating both Ukrainians and international protection applicants in the same period of time.
The original number of Civil Service staff was four in the accounts area of Mr O’Gorman’s multipronged Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, which then increased to 20, and then close to 50 as demand for accommodation went through the roof.
Unfortunately, there is a strong possibility that the State may have been put on the back foot, given the pressure to sign contracts for accommodation with suppliers.
In the circumstances, perhaps the Minister could confirm that Deloitte is carrying out audits to allay the concerns of taxpayers. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL FLYNN,
Bayside,
Dublin 13.