asked the Taoiseach if any Government moneys are being used to subsidise the Markpress Club operated by Markpress in a Dublin hotel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Markpress Agency.
2.
The answer is in the negative.
3.
asked the Taoiseach if he is yet in a position to give details of the services performed by Markpress for the Government; and the cost to date of these services.
4.
asked the Taoiseach the total amount paid from Exchequer funds to Markpress News Agency since the commencement of their employment by the Government.
5.
asked the Taoiseach if it is intended to sign a new contract with Markpress Public Relations Agency; and, if so, for how long.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 3, 4 and 5 together.
The cost to date of the services of Markpress is £28,000. A new contract for a further year has recently been signed.
The services performed can be classified generally as public relations, press relations and information services abroad.
Could I ask the Taoiseach if any Irish company intimated that they were interested in undertaking this work?
No. We got no intimation of that kind.
Was it put to tender or was it mentioned to Irish public relations companies?
There was no tender.
Would the Taoiseach say why the Civil Service could not do this job?
I answered that before in some detail. I indicated to the House that this was a very specialised undertaking and needed a lot of expertise, and the firm were selected mainly because of their record in this field and to a large extent because of their location in the heart of Europe.
Would the Taoiseach not think that the expertise he has in mind could be found within the Civil Service organisation in this country?
To be quite candid, I do not think so.
The Taoiseach mentioned a figure of £28,000 as having been paid up to date. Could he tell us what is the latest date that is covered by that payment?
Right up to date, I understand.
Would the Taoiseach not consider giving it to an Irish advertising agent who was many times in Europe and in England? Why was it not offered to such a person rather than to Markpress?
I answered that a few minutes ago.