Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - Market Research Consultants.

Ivan Yates

Question:

88 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Social Welfare 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.

Ivan Yates

Question:

89 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Social Welfare 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 Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.

My Department retains Doherty Advertising Ltd. and Walsh Public Relations Ltd. for advertising and public relations matters.

The Department's campaign — as opposed to classified or routine — advertising has been assigned to a single advertising agency which was selected from seven agencies which were invited to tender and present proposals. The assignment is for a period of not more than two years. No retainer or fees are paid to Doherty Advertising Ltd. by my Department.

Walsh Public Relations Ltd. are sanctioned to advise on communications matters relating to the Department's schemes and services. The company have been engaged on a contract of one year's duration with fees limited to £15,500 per annum.

None of the State-Sponsored Bodies under the aegis of my Department have retained any firms under the headings outlined by the Deputy.