Transparency around public spending is central to public confidence, and the latest gov.ie consultancy spending publication provides a detailed look at how the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment uses its dedicated budget for policy reviews, research and expert advice.
Published on 8 January 2026 and updated on 29 September 2026, the document lists consultancy expenditure for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by project and supplier. The publication forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to openness and accountable financial management.
gov.ie consultancy spending explained
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has a specific administrative allocation under AD7 of the Estimates. This funding supports external consultancy and research services involving intellectual or knowledge-based work.
Projects may include:
- Policy reviews and expert analysis
- Research reports and economic studies
- Assessments and recommendations
- Proposals supporting departmental decision-making
The department says this work contributes to its mission of supporting a competitive, resilient and sustainable economy across Ireland’s regions, including enterprise, tourism and employment.
How consultancy projects are approved
Under the published process, projects funded through the AD7 budget are reviewed by the department’s Consultancy and Research Advisory Committee before being considered for approval by the Management Board.
The department also states that it follows civil service guidance issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, while taking account of public procurement requirements.
Read more: Irish government spending and public services
What the expenditure records cover
The department has made available separate records for:
- DETE Consultancy Expenditure 2025
- DETE Consultancy Expenditure 2024
- DETE Consultancy Expenditure 2023
Each file presents payments by project and supplier, allowing readers to examine the department’s reported use of consultancy funding across the three years.
However, the department makes clear that the figures do not include ICT consultancy or consultancy procured by the department’s offices and agencies. This limitation is important when interpreting the published totals, as the records are focused specifically on the AD7 allocation.
Why publication matters
Publishing consultancy expenditure enables members of the public, journalists and researchers to understand how external expertise is used within government. It also provides a record of the suppliers and projects associated with the department’s policy and research activity.
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Key takeaway
The latest gov.ie consultancy spending publication gives the public access to departmental records for 2023–2025, while explaining the approval and procurement framework behind the expenditure. Although ICT consultancy and agency-led contracts are excluded, the release offers a useful view of how the department funds specialist advice to support policy development.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
