Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - Retention of Firms for Marketing Projects.

Ivan Yates

Question:

328 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education if she will give details of the firms which have been retained by State-sponsored bodies in her Departmental area and that of her 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 she will give details of the tendering procedures.

Ivan Yates

Question:

329 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education if she will give details of the firms which have been retained in her Departmental area and that of her 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 she will give details of the tendering procedure used.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 329 together.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment employs D'Arcy Smith and Associates to assist in the public launch and dissemination of its publications. Fees paid in 1992 amounted to approximately £660. No fees have been paid to date in 1993.

The National Council for Vocational Awards employs John McMahon and Partners for a similar purpose. Fees paid in 1992 amounted to approximately £3,200. Fees paid to date in 1993 amount to approximately £1,200.

The firms mentioned above were selected in accordance with the standard Government tendering procedures.

My Department uses the services of Brindley Advertising for the purposes of placing advertisements in newspapers and periodicals. That firm has the State advertising contract. Fees paid in 1992 amounted to approximately £122,000. Fees paid to date in 1993 amount to approximately £30,000.

No firms have been retained by State-sponsored bodies in my Department's area for the purposes mentioned in the Deputy's questions.