Peter Barry
Question:115 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the names of the public relations or consultancy companies employed by his Department in 1989; and the fees paid to each of them.
Written Answers. - Public Relations or Consultancy Companies.
The consultancy firm Coopers and Lybrand Associates were commissioned by the Irish and Northern Ireland authorities in February 1989 to undertake a socio-economic study of the north-west region which comprises County Donegal and the Derry and Strabane District Council areas.
The total cost of the study is Stg.£109,880, excluding VAT, to be shared equally between the Irish and British Governments. Following an application by the two Governments, the European Regional Development Fund has agreed to refund 70 per cent of the total cost of the study.
No public relations firms or other consultancy company was employed by my Department in 1989.