Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - Firms Retained by State-Sponsored Bodies.

Ivan Yates

Question:

199 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give details of the firms which have been retained by State-Sponsored Bodies in his departmental area and that of his Minister of State for market research, advertising, public relations and marketing purposes; the projects, if any, which are being carried out by each of these firms; the fees or retainers, if any, which are being paid for each of these projects; the duration of the contract for each project; if all services were secured through tendering; and if he will give details of the tendering procedures.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

The appointment by State-Sponsored Bodies of firms for market research, advertising, public relations and marketing purpose is a day-to-day matter for the board of the body concerned.

I have no function in such matters.

Ivan Yates

Question:

200 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give details of the firms which have been retained in his departmental area and that of his Minister of State for market research, advertising, public relations and marketing purposes; the projects, if any, which are being carried out by each of these firms; the fees or retainers, if any, which are being carried out for each of these projects; the duration of the contract for each project; if all such services were secured through tendering; and if he will give details of the tendering procedure used.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

At the request of the Attorney General's Office and counsel for the State, the services of Carr Communications Ltd. have been retained since 2 March 1992 as media consultants at the Beef Tribunal at a daily fee of £500 for sitting days of the tribunal. The rate of fee involved is currently being discussed with the firm.

Drury Communications Ltd. have been engaged since 1 August 1992 as public relations consultants to my Department at a fee of £1,250 per month plus VAT. The contract which will terminate in any event if I cease to hold office, may be terminated by either party for any reason by one month's notice in writing.

Due to the specialist and sensitive nature of the services required, tender procedures were not used.