Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 288

Provision of consultancy, training and contract services, etc

Section 288 authorises the Minister to enter into contracts, agreements or joint ventures with specified bodies for the provision of consultancy, training, technical assistance and other services, including computer products, both within and outside the State.

• The Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, contract with specified bodies to provide or jointly deliver a range of professional services
• Services covered include consultancy, advisory, training, technical assistance, contract services and the sale or provision of computer products, and may be delivered inside or outside the State
• Arrangements may be made for gain or otherwise, and can take the form of a contract, agreement or joint venture
• A "specified body" includes statutory bodies, companies, corresponding foreign bodies, EU institutions, foreign competent authorities and recognised international organisations such as the United Nations and the World Bank