Spending spree: Ministers approve increased bill for consultants

MINISTERS have signed off on a big increase in spending on consultants, despite slashing €4 billion from the public purse.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said he wanted to halve the bill for PR, advertising and management consultants, but it will continue to rise in 2010.

Health Minister Mary Harney’s department’s management consultant bill is to soar by 20% next year to nearly €1.2 million.