Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 2

Written Answers. - Government Contracts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

77 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the number and names of public relations firms which have obtained Government contracts in the past 15 months; the value of such contracts; the terms of reference; the reason for such contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

One public relations firm only is under contract to my Department, namely, Carr Communications Ltd. The firm is contracted to carry out a variety of different services including assistance and advice on public relations matters and training for senior civil servants in my Department. The terms of reference incorporated speechwriting, presentation development training, media preparation and consultancy.

The value of the contract is approximately £26,000 per year.

The only body under my aegis which has contracted public relations consultants is the Office of Public Works which engaged Drury Communications Limited in June 1993. The contract was for supervision and co-ordination of the public consultation process which the Office of Public Works were instructed by the Government to carry out in relation to the visitor centres in Mullaghmore, County Clare; the Boyne Valley, County Meath and Luggala, County Wicklow.

The amount paid to Drury Communications on foot of this contract was £72,949.36.